Winter in New Jersey does not mean pest problems disappear. It means they move indoors. When temperatures drop, many pests shift from outdoor survival to indoor shelter. Homes in Sussex County, including Sparta, Andover, Byram, Lafayette, and Stockholm, become prime targets.
Here are the most common winter pests that require extermination and prevention:
Mice and Rats
Rodents are the number one winter pest in New Jersey. As food sources disappear outside, mice and rats look for warmth and steady access to food. They enter through tiny gaps in foundations, siding, and rooflines. Once inside, they nest in attics, basements, and wall voids.
Rodents reproduce quickly and cause serious damage by chewing wiring, insulation, and wood framing. Winter infestations often grow unnoticed because activity happens behind walls and ceilings.
Squirrels
Squirrels often move into attics during winter to escape the cold. Homes near wooded areas in Sparta and Byram are especially vulnerable. They chew entry holes into soffits, fascia boards, and rooflines.
Squirrel infestations can cause structural damage, destroy insulation, and create significant noise problems. Professional removal is important because they can be aggressive if cornered.
Raccoons
Raccoons look for warm denning sites during winter, often entering chimneys, attics, and crawl spaces. Lake-area properties and wooded neighborhoods see more activity.
Raccoons can tear apart roofing materials and insulation. They also leave droppings that create serious health risks. Humane trapping and exclusion are necessary to prevent repeat access.
Bats
Although bats are more active in warmer months, many overwinter inside attics and wall cavities in New Jersey homes. They enter through small roofline gaps and attic vents.
Bat colonies can create odor problems and health concerns due to accumulated droppings. Removal must be handled carefully and legally, with proper exclusion methods.
Cockroaches
German cockroaches and other indoor species remain active year-round. In winter, they stay close to warmth and moisture sources, especially kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Roaches multiply quickly and contaminate surfaces. Cold weather does not eliminate them. It concentrates them indoors.
Spiders
Spiders move indoors in late fall and remain active through winter. While most species are harmless, they become more visible in garages, basements, and storage areas.
Winter spider activity is usually a sign of other insects present in the home.
Stink Bugs
Brown marmorated stink bugs enter homes in fall to overwinter inside walls and attics. In winter, they may emerge on warm days near windows.
They do not bite or sting, but they can appear in large numbers and create unpleasant odors when disturbed.
Carpenter Ants
Unlike many insects, carpenter ants remain active inside heated structures during winter. If a colony is already established in walls or damp wood, activity continues year-round.
Carpenter ants can cause structural damage over time and should be addressed professionally.
Termites (Subterranean)
Termites do not disappear in winter. Subterranean termites stay active below ground and can continue feeding inside structures, especially in heated basements or crawl spaces.
Winter is often when hidden termite damage becomes noticeable.
Why Winter Extermination Matters
Winter pests are not temporary visitors. Most are seeking long-term shelter. Once inside, they settle in and multiply. Waiting until spring allows infestations to grow larger and more expensive to correct.
Winter is actually one of the best times to address pest problems. Populations are more concentrated indoors, making targeted treatment more effective. Sealing entry points during winter also prevents early spring reinfestation.
Don’t delay—give our team a call at (201) 347-5943 or fill out a contact form on our website today. We Swarm to Protect & Serve!