The Ultimate South Sound Homeowner’s Guide to Winter Pests (2025 Edition)

Legendary Service. Local Pest Control. Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm & DuPont, WA

www.bigfootpest.com | (360) 789-5295

Why Winter Is Prime Time for Pest Problems in Western Washington

When the temperature drops and the rain rolls in, pests across the South Sound start looking for one thing: a warm, dry place to spend the winter. Unfortunately, that often means your home.

Here in Thurston and Pierce counties, the combination of damp weather and older crawlspaces makes homes ideal shelters for rodents, spiders, ants, and more. Our technicians see rodent calls jump by nearly 40% between November and February, and most infestations start in attics or crawlspaces that go unchecked during colder months.

If you’re hearing scratching sounds at night or noticing droppings, chew marks, or cobweb clusters, you’re not alone—this is the most active time of year for pests to invade local homes.

The 5 Most Common Winter Pests in the South Sound

🐭 1. Rodents (Rats & Mice)

Rodents are the #1 winter pest problem in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater. They chew through insulation, wiring, and even plastic plumbing lines to nest in crawlspaces, attics, and garages.
Signs: Noises at night, droppings, gnaw marks, or shredded insulation.
Tip: Seal gaps larger than ¼ inch and check that vent screens are secure.

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🕸️ 2. Spiders

When the weather cools, spiders move inside looking for food. You’ll often see giant house spiders or hobo spiders around basements, garages, or window wells.
Tip: Regular vacuuming and sealing small cracks can help, but ongoing pest maintenance keeps populations down long-term.

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🐜 3. Ants

Ants don’t take the winter off—they just move indoors. Moisture-loving ants, like odorous house ants, find their way into kitchens and bathrooms where it’s warm and damp.
Tip: Wipe down counters daily and fix leaks quickly. If you’re seeing activity year-round, you likely have a colony inside your walls.

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🪶 4. Silverfish

These tiny, silvery bugs love humidity and darkness, making bathrooms, basements, and attics their favorite hangouts. They feed on paper, glue, and fabrics.
Tip: Use dehumidifiers and avoid cardboard storage in damp areas.

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🪰 5. Cluster Flies

These slow-moving flies sneak into attics and wall voids in fall and overwinter until spring.
Tip: Once inside, they’re tough to eliminate without professional help—vacuum visible flies and call us to locate their entry points.

Crawlspace & Attic Checklist for Winter Pest Prevention

Use this checklist to help keep your home pest-free this season:

✅ Inspect insulation for signs of nesting or damage
✅ Seal vent screens and foundation openings
✅ Remove clutter and cardboard from storage areas
✅ Check for gaps under garage doors and entry doors
✅ Trim vegetation away from siding and rooflines
✅ Schedule a crawlspace inspection before temperatures drop

Want to make it easy? Download our free “Winter Pest Prevention Checklist” PDF from Bigfoot Pest Management to print and keep on hand. PDF>>>Bigfoot_Winter_Pest_Guide_2025

Local Pest Hotspots Around the South Sound

Over the past few winters, our team has seen the highest rodent activity in:
• West Olympia & Tumwater – older neighborhoods with easy attic access
• Lacey – homes near greenbelts and wetlands
• Yelm & DuPont – rapid new construction mixed with open fields create perfect nesting zones

If you live in any of these areas, it’s worth booking a preventive inspection before winter pests settle in.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve already spotted signs of pests, don’t wait it out—infestations grow fast during the cold months.

Bigfoot Pest Management provides full inspections and customized treatment plans for homes and businesses throughout Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, and DuPont, WA.

Call (360) 789-5295 or visit www.bigfootpest.com to schedule your free inspection and keep your home pest-free all winter long.