Where Do Roaches Go in the Winter?

There are a number of questions about cockroaches and whether or not they continue to pose a problem in the winter. There are a number of different species of cockroaches found throughout America. Some of the most common species found are the American, Oriental and German cockroach and all three have been seen in the state of Virginia. Each species varies on their winter behavior and some may pose a problem while others may never be seen once during the winter season. Eagle Pest Services will share the different behaviors of cockroaches during the winter.

Do Roaches Hibernate in the Winter?

Most cockroach species hibernate during the winter. When the temperatures begin to drop, many cockroach species will look for a safe place to hide before their body shuts down and goes into a deep sleep. One species that hibernates in the winter is the American cockroach. Yes, take a breath of relief. One of the largest and most invasive cockroach species won’t plague your home during the winter. Often American cockroaches will look for leaf or wood piles to hide in for the winter. Cockroaches do require a certain body temperatures that they must maintain even in winter or they will die. They will invade homes or other structures to insure their survival. So pest control methods are to locate cockroach hideouts during the winter to help reduce future spring or summer populations.  

Do Roaches Come Out in the Winter?

However, not all cockroach species will enter into hibernation in the winter. If certain species such as an Oriental cockroach locates a warm enough area, such as inside homes, basements, or other human structure, they will stay active. Oriental cockroaches exclusively mate during the winter and don’t hibernate at all. Nevertheless they can die if they can’t find shelter during the winter. As stated, there are some species that hibernate in the winter. However if some of these species are in a warm enough area, again inside homes or other human domains where the temperature is controlled, they won’t go into their hibernated state. One example is the German cockroach. They require a certain drop in temperature which triggers their hibernation.

Cockroach Prevention & Control

Keep in mind that cockroach infestations can still occur in winter. Your best defense is keeping cockroaches out of your home to help reduce the possibility of a winter infestation. By using the aid of a pest control service to treat your home on the inside and outside, your home will kill any invading pests. It also helps to clean debris piles such as wood, leaves, and clutter out or away from your home and yard. By depriving cockroaches of shelter, you will help keep them way from your home. You can also seal up spaces between doorways and windows with caulking glue and any other areas that pests can use to get inside your home. If you are worried about a cockroach infestation or you are battling one, contact Eagle Pest Services. We can help combat or protect your home from cockroaches and any other pest this winter. Eagle Pest Services is ready to provide pest control services for residential and commercial properties. Contact Eagle Pest Services today!