Where Do Cockroaches Go in the Winter?

What is winter like in Florida? Well, Winter in South Florida is barely winter at all! While most of the country bundles up against the cold, Floridians are just enjoying a slightly cooler breeze. But don’t let the mild winter fool you. Pests like cockroaches can still thrive in your home during this time. In fact, winter might bring them closer to you as they seek out warm, sheltered spaces indoors. So, where do cockroaches go in the winter? Let’s take a look!

Do Roaches Hibernate in the Winter?

Unlike some pests that hibernate when the temperatures drop, cockroaches don’t take the winter off. In states with mild winters like Florida, roaches remain active year-round. While the weather might cool down slightly, it’s rarely cold enough to drive cockroaches into full hibernation. Instead, they become even more motivated to find warmth and shelter indoors, making your home their perfect hideout.

How Common Florida Roaches Survive Colder Months

Florida is home to several species of cockroaches, including the German cockroach, American cockroach, and the infamous palmetto bug (which is really just a big American cockroach). During the cooler months, these pests thrive by moving indoors where they have access to food, water, and warmth. Kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and attics are all common places where roaches hide out in the winter. Once inside, they can multiply quickly, making it critical to pest-proof your home before the problem gets worse.

Why Roaches Seek Shelter in Florida in the Winter

Cockroaches in Florida homes need three things to survive: food, water, and shelter, all of which they can easily find in your home. In the winter, even the slightly cooler temperatures in South Florida will push roaches to seek the warmest places they can find. They often sneak in through cracks in doors, windows, and foundations, or even through plumbing pipes. Once inside, they hide in dark, damp places, like under sinks, in closets, or behind appliances. This is why you might notice an uptick in roach activity during the winter months, despite the temperature drop being mild.

How to Pest-Proof Your Home This Winter

Winter is the perfect time to make sure your home is protected from cockroach infestations. Roaches are persistent, but with the right precautions, you can keep them at bay. Here’s how:

Sealing Cracks and Removing Food Sources to Prevent Roaches

• Seal entry points: Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, and other openings where large cockroaches in Florida might get in. Pay special attention to doors, windows, plumbing pipes, and any utility entry points.
• Eliminate food sources: Keep your home tidy by cleaning up spills and crumbs right away. Store food in sealed containers, and make sure to take out the trash regularly.
• Reduce moisture: Roaches love moisture, so make sure to fix any leaks in your plumbing and keep your home well-ventilated, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Declutter: Roaches thrive in cluttered spaces, so reduce the number of hiding spots by keeping storage areas, garages, and attics organized and clean.

By taking these steps, you’ll make your home far less appealing to cockroaches during the winter months. However, in South Florida, often these tips and tricks are not enough to prevent cockroaches from invading, and professional cockroach pest control services are needed.

Stay Roach-Free with Hulett’s Cockroach Pest Control Services

Don’t let cockroaches make themselves at home this winter! Hulett Environmental Services in West Palm Beach offers customized pest control programs to target cockroach infestations, using eco-friendly and pet-friendly methods. Our expert south Florida pest control professionals will conduct a free inspection to assess your home’s needs and develop a plan that works for you. Don’t let cockroaches spoil your Winter holidays, and JUST CALL HULETT to keep your home roach-free and comfortable all year long.