Listen, I’ve been in the Delaware pest control game for a long time, and if there is one thing I know, it’s that pests don’t take a “winter break.” While we’re all inside cranking up the heat and getting cozy, the local wildlife and creepy-crawlies are doing the exact same thing.

In the industry, we call this “overwintering.” But to you, it just feels like an invasion. Here is the honest truth about why your home is currently the hottest club in town for mice, rats, and roaches.

1. The Search for the “Golden Thermostat”

Just like us, pests are biological creatures that can’t survive the Delaware deep freeze. When the ground freezes in New Castle or Kent County, the survival instinct kicks in.

Mice and Rats: These guys are mammals. Their body temperatures drop just like ours. Your attic insulation isn’t just “stuffing” to them; it’s a high-end sleeping bag.

Roaches: Specifically the German Cockroach, they can’t handle the cold at all. They seek out the warmth radiating from the back of your refrigerator motor or your dishwasher.

2. The “buffet” remains open

In the summer, pests have plenty of options outside—seeds, fallen fruit, and insects. In the winter, the outdoor grocery store closes down.

Your kitchen becomes the only reliable food source for miles. A few crumbs under the toaster or a bag of dog food left open in the garage is a five-star meal. Remember, a mouse only needs about 3 to 5 grams of food a day to thrive. That’s basically nothing to us, but it’s a feast for them.

3. Nature’s “Open Door” Policy

You might think your home is sealed tight, but pests are experts at finding the “structural whispers”—those tiny gaps you don’t even see.

The Quarter Rule: A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. A rat only needs a hole the size of a quarter.

Expansion and Contraction: Winter weather causes materials like wood and vinyl to contract, often opening up small gaps around utility pipes or door frames that weren’t there in July.

What Can You Do About It?

I always tell my customers: Prevention is cheaper than an extraction. Here’s my “Loyalty Checklist” for a pest-free winter:

Seal the Gaps: Use steel wool and caulk around pipe entries. Mice can’t chew through steel wool (it hurts their teeth!).

Manage the Moisture: Roaches and silverfish are attracted to humidity. If you have a leaky pipe under the sink, fix it now.

Clean the “Hidden” Spots: Pull out your stove and fridge. You’d be surprised how much grease and crumbs accumulate there over a year.

Watch the Firewood: If you’re burning wood this winter, keep the pile at least 20 feet away from the house. It’s a literal hotel for wood-boring pests and rodents.

The Loyalty Promise

At the end of the day, your home is your sanctuary. You shouldn’t have to share it with roommates who don’t pay rent and carry diseases. If you’re hearing scratching in the walls or seeing “pepper flakes” (roach droppings) in the cabinets, don’t wait for spring. They aren’t going to leave on their own.

Stay warm, stay vigilant, and remember—we’ve got your back.

The post Winter Invaders: Why Mice, Rats, and Roaches Are Inside Your Home Right Now appeared first on Loyalty Termite and Pest Control Wilmington Deleware.