What This Blog Covers
In this blog post, North Atlanta homeowners will learn:
- Why cold snaps increase pest activity indoors
- The five most common ways bugs enter homes
- Which winter pests are most common in the Atlanta area
- Signs that pests may already be inside
- Practical steps to protect your home during colder months
How Do Bugs Get Into Your House?
Pests don’t need much space to get inside. A crack as thin as a pencil or a loose vent cover is often all it takes. Here are the most common access points we see in homes:
1. Doors & Windows
Doors and windows are common entry points and are often overlooked.
- Worn door sweeps
- Gaps around sliding glass doors
- Poorly sealed window frames
- Garage doors that don’t seal tightly
If you can see daylight around a door or window, pests can get in. Even tiny openings allow ants, spiders, roaches, and other insects easy access, especially when outdoor temperatures drop overnight.
2. Exhaust Fans & Dryer Vents
Bathroom exhaust fans, kitchen vents, and dryer vents all create direct pathways from outside to inside.
Problems often include:
- Broken or stuck vent dampers
- Missing vent covers
- Gaps around vent openings
During cold snaps, pests use these openings to escape the cold air and move straight into warm wall voids and living spaces.
3. Siding & Wall Passages
Every cable, pipe, or HVAC line that enters your home creates a potential entry point for pests.
Common trouble spots:
- Gaps around plumbing lines
- Cable and internet entry points
- Cracks behind siding
- Poorly sealed utility penetrations
Sealing these areas with caulk or foam can dramatically reduce pest activity indoors.
4. Exterior Walls & Foundation
Atlanta’s seasonal temperature fluctuations can cause foundations and exterior walls to expand and contract, resulting in cracks over time.
Watch for:
- Hairline foundation cracks
- Gaps near crawl space openings
- Mulch piled against the foundation
Pulling mulch back and sealing cracks helps prevent insects and rodents from getting close enough to find their way inside.
5. Things You Carry Into the House
Sometimes pests don’t crawl in; they hitch a ride.
Common culprits include:
- Firewood
- Holiday decorations
- Storage boxes
- Potted plants
- Luggage after travel
Spiders, roaches, and even bed bugs can hide in these items and go unnoticed until they’re already inside.
What Are the Most Common Winter Pests in Atlanta Homes?
During colder months, homeowners in Buckhead, Cumming, Sugar Hill, and across Metro Atlanta most often deal with:
- Spiders
- Cockroaches
- Millipedes
- Centipedes
- Mice
While some of these pests are more active year-round, cold snaps significantly increase indoor sightings as they search for warmth and moisture.
Common Signs of a Pest Infestation
Seeing one bug doesn’t always mean you have an infestation, but repeated signs shouldn’t be ignored.
Watch for:
- Live or dead insects indoors
- Droppings or smear marks
- Damage to plants or stored items
- Gnaw marks or chewed materials
- Nesting material in garages, attics, or crawl spaces
- Small exterior gaps or holes
Early detection makes pest problems far easier (and less expensive) to resolve.
How to Protect Your Home Against Common Household Pests
The most effective way to prevent pest problems is to make sure they can’t get inside in the first place.
Key steps include:
- Sealing cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations
- Repairing damaged vents and installing proper covers
- Trimming vegetation away from the home
- Keeping firewood stored away from the house
- Scheduling a professional pest inspection
A trained pest professional can identify entry points homeowners often miss and install long-lasting barriers to keep pests out.
Here at got bugs?, our locally owned and family-operated pest control company has been protecting homes and businesses in North Atlanta from insects and rodents since 2006. When you sign up for home pest control services with us, you can rely on our highly trained team to ensure your home remains pest-free through winter cold snaps and beyond.
Request your free pest control quote today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Pests in North Atlanta
Is seeing one bug inside during winter a sign of a bigger problem?
Not always, but it can be an early warning. One pest may indicate others are already hiding in wall voids, crawl spaces, or attics, especially during colder months when pests are less visible.
What’s the most overlooked entry point for pests in Atlanta homes?
Dryer vents, bathroom exhaust fans, and crawl space openings are among the most commonly overlooked entry points. These areas often lead directly into warm interior spaces and are attractive to pests during cold weather.
What temperature causes bugs and mice to move indoors?
Most pests start seeking shelter when nighttime temperatures dip into the 40s or lower. Freezing overnight temperatures followed by warmer days, which are common during winters in Georgia, often trigger increased indoor pest activity.
This blog was originally published on February 7, 2017; it has been updated to include new information.
