Winter brings freezing temperatures, blizzards, and sometimes the hope of fewer insects in the summer. But is there any truth to the belief that a harsh winter could reduce pest activity in the warmer months? While it’s an enticing theory—who wouldn’t want fewer mosquitoes or ticks—we can’t rely on winter weather alone to control pest populations.

Here’s a closer look at how pests survive the winter and what that means for you once the temperatures rise.

Winter Survival Tactics of Pests

Despite the bone-chilling cold, many pests have developed remarkable ways to ensure they live to see another summer. Whether hibernating indoors, entering a dormant state, or finding natural insulation, pests are better adapted to chilly conditions than you’d think.

Diapause: Nature’s Survival Mode

Most insects prepare for winter by entering diapause, a dormant stage that allows them to survive frigid conditions. This begins as soon as shorter days and cooler temperatures signal the onset of winter. Surprisingly, some insects are better equipped to withstand extreme cold than they are extreme heat.

According to Michael Bentley, the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) director of training and education, elements like snow can even provide insulation for insects during diapause, further protecting them from the cold.

Ticks and Diapause

Ticks are especially adept at surviving winter. During diapause, they burrow under leaf piles and other debris, keeping themselves shielded from wind, snow, and freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, this means ticks will still be a summer problem, no matter how low temperatures drop in the winter.

Mosquitoes in the Cold

If you’re wondering about mosquitoes—summer’s most prevalent pest—there’s both good and bad news. Adult mosquitoes can’t survive freezing temperatures, which means they’ll die off in harsh winters. However, their eggs can endure the cold thanks to diapause. This means those eggs will hatch as soon as the weather warms up, bringing back everyone’s least favorite summer nuisance.

Indoor Hibernators

Not all pests remain dormant outdoors. Many insects and small mammals choose to hibernate indoors during the winter. Ever spotted a fly buzzing around your home in the dead of winter? It’s not just a fluke. Pests like cluster flies, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and spiders often take refuge in people’s homes for warmth and safety, hiding in attics, basements, or other undisturbed areas.

And it’s not just insects. Rodents, such as mice and rats, are also skilled at finding their way into your home to escape the cold. You might notice these “furry friends” scurrying through your kitchen or basement looking for food and a place to nest.

Will Harsh Winters Lead to Fewer Summer Pests?

Unfortunately, a cold and snowy winter likely won’t result in fewer pests in the summer. Though some adult pests may not survive frigid temperatures, many pests have evolved to thrive despite winter’s challenges, either by entering diapause, hibernating indoors, or using natural insulation like leaf piles and snow. When spring and summer roll around, you’re still likely to encounter ticks, mosquitoes, and a range of other pests.

What Can You Do to Prevent Winter Pests?

While you can’t change how nature protects pests during the winter, you can take steps to prevent them from entering your home and starting a new problem indoors. Here are some tips:

Outdoors

  • Trim Trees and Shrubs: Prevent pests and rodents from accessing your home via overhanging branches or nearby vegetation.
  • Repair Damage: Replace damaged weather stripping, patch any cracks in your foundation, and repair torn screens to seal potential entry points.
  • Clear Debris: Remove leaf piles and other natural shelters where pests like ticks might hide.

Indoors

  • Reduce Clutter: Clean out attics, basements, and storage areas to make your home less inviting for hibernating insects or rodents.
  • Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight glass or plastic containers to avoid attracting pests.
  • Vacuum & Clean Regularly: Sweep up crumbs and vacuum any areas where pests might be hiding.

By taking these measures, you can reduce the number of uninvited “guests” in your home and lower the chances of dealing with pest problems come spring and summer.

The Bottom Line

Harsh winters won’t magically eliminate summer pests, but understanding how different pests survive the cold can help you prepare for their return. Whether they’re hibernating indoors, hiding under snow-packed leaf piles, or waiting to hatch from frozen eggs, pests have evolved to handle nature’s worst conditions.

Stay proactive year-round by pest-proofing your home both inside and out. With a little preparation, you can keep winter pests at bay—and make summer pests just a little less troublesome.