Winter pest control tips to keep your home warm and safe

As temperatures drop across New Zealand, many pests begin searching for warmth and shelter—and that often means finding a way into your home. While winter may seem like a quiet season for pest activity, it's anything but. Rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and other unwanted guests can still cause trouble when they sneak indoors, drawn by the promise of warmth, food, and hidden nooks.

If you’re aiming to stay warm without sharing your space with pests, proactive winter pest control is essential. Below, we break down practical, effective steps to keep your home protected through the colder months.

1. Understand which pests are active in winter

While cold weather may drive some pests into hiding, many household invaders remain active—especially indoors. Heated homes, gaps in insulation, and leftover food scraps provide ideal conditions for pests to stay alive and thrive right through winter.

Common winter invaders in New Zealand include:

Rodents (rats and mice): They seek shelter and food indoors, often nesting in roof cavities, walls, or behind appliances.

Cockroaches: Especially German cockroaches, which thrive in warm, damp environments like kitchens and laundries.

Spiders: Many species, including white-tailed spiders, are active year-round and can be found hiding in dark corners.

Ants: Some colonies remain active through winter and may invade homes in search of warmth and moisture.

Silverfish and clothes moths: These thrive in dark, humid storage areas and are drawn to fabrics and paper.

Knowing which pests are likely to target your home gives you a head start in prevention.

2. Seal entry points around your home

Pests don’t need much space to get inside—mice can squeeze through holes the size of a 10-cent coin, and cockroaches can flatten themselves to slip through cracks.

Areas to inspect and seal:

• Gaps around window frames and door trims
• Cracks in the foundation or exterior walls
• Vents, weep holes, and utility pipe entries
• Broken roof tiles and gaps in the eaves
• Damaged fly screens or poorly fitted doors

Use weather stripping, silicone sealant, door sweeps, and wire mesh to block off these common access points.

3. Keep firewood and garden debris away from your home

Stacking firewood near your house might be convenient, but it also invites pests. Rodents and spiders love the shelter that a woodpile provides.

Simple tips:

• Store firewood at least 5 metres away from your house
• Keep it elevated off the ground on a rack or stand
• Remove piles of leaves, mulch, or compost close to your home
• Trim shrubs and tree branches so they don’t touch your roof or walls

Maintaining a clean outdoor buffer discourages pests from using your garden as a stepping stone into your house.

4. Eliminate moisture and fix leaks

Pests are drawn to water. Leaky taps, dripping pipes, and damp areas around the home create the ideal environment for cockroaches, ants, and silverfish.

Prevent pest attraction by:

• Repairing leaking plumbing under sinks and in bathrooms
• Ensuring good drainage around the property to avoid pooling water
• Using a dehumidifier in damp-prone areas like basements and laundries
• Ventilating your home to reduce moisture buildup, especially after showers or cooking

Drier environments make it much harder for pests to settle in.

5. Store food securely and clean regularly

Warm homes become a winter oasis for pests when food is easily accessible. Mice, rats, cockroaches, and ants will all scavenge for crumbs, pet food, and open packets.

Food storage and hygiene tips:

• Use airtight containers for pantry items such as rice, flour, and cereal
• Don’t leave pet food out overnight
• Wipe benches and sweep floors regularly to remove crumbs
• Empty bins frequently and keep lids tightly sealed
• Clean behind appliances like ovens and fridges where spills may go unnoticed

Good housekeeping reduces the incentive for pests to stick around.

6. Be mindful of roof and ceiling spaces

Roof cavities are a favourite nesting spot for rodents during winter. They offer warmth, insulation, and a quiet hiding place—often undisturbed for weeks.

Check your roof space for:

• Signs of nesting: shredded insulation, droppings, or gnawed wires
• Entry points: broken tiles, unsealed vents, or gaps in flashing
• Sounds of scratching or movement at night

If you suspect rodent activity, avoid placing baits or traps yourself without professional advice. Misplaced bait can pose a risk to pets or cause rodents to die in hard-to-reach places, creating odour and hygiene issues.

7. Inspect stored winter clothing and blankets

Silverfish, moths, and other fabric-damaging pests may target storage areas over the cooler months.

Protection tips:

• Wash and dry clothes thoroughly before storing
• Use vacuum-sealed bags for seasonal clothing
• Place natural deterrents like cedarwood or lavender sachets in wardrobes
• Avoid cardboard boxes which attract pests—opt for plastic containers with secure lids

Pests thrive in undisturbed, cluttered areas. Regularly airing out storage spaces helps discourage infestations.

8. Schedule regular pest inspections

Even with the best prevention steps, some pest activity may go unnoticed—especially behind walls or under the floor.

A regular pest inspection from a qualified local pest control technician ensures:

• Early detection of hidden infestations
• Tailored solutions for your home layout and pest risks
• Expert advice on keeping your home secure through seasonal changes

Winter is often a good time to book an inspection, especially before pests become more active again in spring.

9. Use PestConnect for rodent monitoring

If your home or business has had rodent issues in the past, Rentokil’s PestConnect system offers a smart solution. It provides:

• Continuous 24/7 remote monitoring
• Real-time alerts for rodent activity
• Fast response by technicians when triggered
• Detailed reporting for high-risk areas

This system is particularly useful for larger properties, warehouses, or commercial spaces where early intervention can prevent extensive damage.

10. Stay vigilant and act early

Pests are far easier to deal with before they establish themselves. During winter, focus on prevention and early signs.

Keep an eye out for:

• Droppings, smear marks, or gnawing
• Unusual smells in enclosed spaces
• Insect activity around sinks, bins, or warm appliances
• Noises in walls, ceilings, or under floors

If you notice these signs, don’t delay. Early treatment is far more effective than trying to remove a full infestation.

Final thoughts

Winter pest control in New Zealand is about more than comfort—it’s about protecting your health, your property, and your peace of mind. Rodents, spiders, and cockroaches don’t take the season off, and neither should your prevention efforts.

By sealing up your home, removing attractants, and staying alert to early warning signs, you’ll create a safe and warm environment without uninvited visitors. And if problems arise, contacting Rentokil ensures a fast, safe, and effective solution tailored to your property and region.