Many people associate pest infestations with warmer weather, but the truth is that pests can invade at any time of the year, especially during the winter. Many pests, including cockroaches, cannot survive the extremely cold temperatures outside and will seek shelter in buildings and homes. Once inside, they will try to access food and water sources and eventually lay eggs, creating an infestation.
While cockroaches are most active in the spring and summer, spotting them in the winter in Maryland is not uncommon, especially if you have a lingering infestation.
This article will explore the behavior of cockroaches in the winter and provide helpful advice for preventing and getting rid of cockroaches in the colder months.
Do Cockroaches Like the Cold Weather?
Like many humans and pests, cockroaches do not typically like cold weather. They are cold-blooded anthropods, which means that they rely on warmer external temperatures since they cannot regulate their own body temperature.
If left outside, most species of cockroaches will die when the temperature dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why these pests tend to seek shelter in warm places, such as buildings and homes.
Based on this knowledge, cockroaches largely depend on our homes for survival, meaning we have a big role to play in reducing their populations inside Maryland.
How Do Cockroaches Survive Outside?
Cockroaches are pretty clever at surviving extreme temperatures outside. During the cold winter months, if they are unable to seek shelter indoors, they will find a moist area, such as a pile of leaves or decaying wood, to take cover and find food sources.
Cockroaches are also omnivores, which means that they eat a wide array of organic matter, which allows them to survive outdoors for longer periods of time compared to other pests.
What Species of Cockroaches Am I Likely to Find Inside?
The most common cockroach in Maryland homes is the German cockroach. This small, light-brown pest is known for its rapid reproduction and ability to thrive in warm, humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms. German cockroaches are particularly troublesome because they can spread bacteria, contaminate food, and trigger allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals.
Other common cockroaches include brown-banded cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, smoky-brown cockroaches, and American cockroaches.
Oriental cockroaches are often mistaken for water bugs or beetles due to their large size and shiny black appearance. However, they tend to be less commonly found in homes and, if they are found, typically only dwell in basements and wet areas.
The American cockroach is an outdoor species commonly found in warm, damp areas such as leaf piles and rotting wood. However, they often make their way indoors in search of food or shelter, especially during extreme weather conditions, though it’s rare to spot one.
Signs of Cockroaches Inside My House
If a cockroach does end up in your home during the winter, there are several telltale signs to look for, including:
- A strange or foul odor in the home
- Cockroach droppings–resembling small, black pellets
- Egg cases and cockroach eggs
- Property damage that can’t be explained
- New allergy symptoms
- Seeing live or dead cockroaches
If you notice any of these signs in your home, contact a trusted exterminator right away to have your home inspected for cockroaches.
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
Unfortunately, eliminating cockroaches is extremely difficult on your own.
If you have discovered a cockroach infestation in your home, the first thing you should do is contact an exterminator. Cockroaches are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and this kind of job is best handled by a professional. An experienced exterminator will be able to inspect your home and recommend an aggressive plan of action to target and kill all of the cockroaches in your home.
However, if you want to take the DIY route, this guide will help explain how to get rid of cockroaches.
What Can I Do to Prevent Cockroaches in the Fall and Winter?
The best way to eliminate a cockroach infestation is to prevent a cockroach infestation. Starting early in the season, such as the fall and winter, will give you the best odds of preventing a future infestation.
There are several things you can do to prevent cockroaches from invading your home during the fall and winter months, including:
- Keeping your home clean and clutter-free
- Storing firewood far away from the home
- Declutter your home
- Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink
- Repair any leaking faucets
- Seal cracks and crevices in the home
- Carefully inspect all packages and boxes before bringing them into the home
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
It is imperative for homeowners to contact a pest control professional at the first sign of any infestation, especially a cockroach infestation. These pests can be extremely difficult to get rid of, which is why you will want to immediately enlist the help of an experienced professional to take care of the problem safely and effectively.
For help with cockroach control in Maryland, reach out to the trusted professionals at Pest Czar for a free quote.
FAQs
Are cockroaches more likely to infest certain areas of the home during winter?
Yes, cockroaches can infest certain areas of the home during the winter months over other parts of the house. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the favorite rooms in a home for these pests, as these are the places they are most likely to find food and water sources.
How long can cockroaches live without food or water in cold weather?
Cockroaches can survive for about one month without food, but only about one week without water. Cockroaches are also unable to survive in cold temperatures because of their inability to regulate their own body temperature, which is why they often seek shelter indoors during these colder months.