During the summer, insects seem to be everywhere. Once winter rolls around, they’re seemingly absent. However, that doesn’t mean they’ve vanished. Some take up residence in homes during the colder months, and you may require the service of an exterminator to deal with the problem. 

What Happens to Insects During the Winter?

1. Migration

Many people know about the Monarch butterfly’s journey south during winter. Other insects, including locusts and dragonflies, also migrate to warmer climes this time of year. Insects sometimes fly thousands of miles to get to their new homes.

2. Hibernation

Much like bears, insects can also hibernate during winter. Hibernating insects produce a chemical that acts as a sort of anti-freeze. This chemical is essential since insects can’t create their own warmth like mammals. When hibernating, insects will look for a safe, secure place to stay throughout winter, including inside homes, trees, and even under rocks. 

3. Overwintering

Some adult insects are not able to make it through winter and die off. However, many produce offspring before dying. These bugs are equipped to survive winter in a dormant state until spring arrives. Insects can overwinter as eggs, larvae, or even nymphs, which are juvenile forms of insects. 

4. Relocation

Many insects will relocate indoors while winter weather is at its worst. This is the case with cockroaches, which can be found in warmer basements and crawlspaces. Spiders also relocate indoors during winter, although some become inactive at a certain temperature. 

No matter the time of year, having insects in your home can be a pain. The exterminators at Extermination Services Inc. in Port Orchard, WA, understand how important it is to have a pest-free home, which is why they’re diligent about providing quality service to the area. As a full-service pest control company, they handle ants, termites, cockroaches, spiders, and wasps, as well as rodents such as rats and mice. Call (360) 895-1890 today to speak with an exterminator about your needs or visit their website to learn more. Removal of ants and spiders is backed by a 90-day warranty.