Winter Pests Montana Homeowners Ignore (But Shouldn't!)

Montana winters are legendary, and while we’re bundled up against the cold, it’s easy to assume the local pests are doing the same—or worse, that they’ve succumbed to the freezing temperatures. But for many pests, your cozy, warm home is the perfect winter sanctuary.

Don't let these creatures turn your retreat into their hideout. Here are a few common winter pests that Montana homeowners often ignore until it's too late.

1. Mice
   

When temperatures drop, every crack and crevice becomes an open invitation for mice seeking shelter, food, and water. Homeowners often mistake the quiet pitter-patter in the attic or walls for the normal sounds of a house settling.

Why you shouldn’t ignore them: Rodents reproduce rapidly, meaning a single pregnant mouse looking for shelter in October can lead to a full-blown infestation by January. They are also notorious for gnawing on electrical wires, which poses a serious fire risk, and contaminating food surfaces with their droppings and urine.

Solutions Tip: Inspect your home’s foundation for gaps as small as a dime (for mice!) and use metal mesh or cement to seal them off before the first heavy snowfall.

2. Boxelder Bugs & Western Conifer Seed Bugs

These aren’t infesting your food or chewing your wood, but their sheer numbers can be a nuisance. On warmer, sunny days in the middle of winter, you might find them clustered on the south-facing walls of your home or buzzing clumsily near windows. They enter homes in the fall to hibernate in wall voids and attics.

Why you shouldn’t ignore them: While mostly harmless, they can stain carpets and curtains if crushed. More importantly, their presence in large numbers signals an easy entry point to your home—a vulnerability that more destructive pests could exploit.

Solutions Tip: Focus on exclusion. Check all window and door screens for tears and ensure vent covers and utility openings are properly sealed to deny them a place to overwinter.

3. Wood-Boring Beetles

Unlike termites, which are a year-round threat, wood-boring beetles can cause slow, hidden damage that often goes unnoticed throughout the winter. They might be inactive, but their larvae are still deep within the wood, munching away on structural supports, floor joists, or firewood stored indoors.

Why you shouldn’t ignore them: By spring, you might suddenly notice small, pin-sized holes and piles of fine sawdust (frass) emerging from wood, indicating a problem that’s been brewing for months. The structural damage can become significant over years if left unchecked.

Solutions Tip: If you bring firewood indoors, burn it quickly. Never store firewood directly against your home or in an attached garage, as this offers a perfect bridge for pests to move inside.-----Protect Your Investment This Winter

Ignoring pests during the cold months is the biggest mistake a homeowner can make. While snow piles up outside, these unwelcome guests are settling in, potentially causing costly damage and compromising the health of your family.

Don’t wait for spring thaw to address your winter pest problems. Contact Montana Pest Solutions today for a comprehensive winter inspection and exclusion plan to keep your home pest-free until the sun returns!

Contact Montana Pest Solutions