WALB is working to produce a video for this story. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch our livestream.

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - As homeowners retreat inside for warmth during cold fronts, they may not be the only ones seeking shelter.

Winter weather drives furry pests like roof rats, squirrels, and raccoons to seek indoor shelter. These unwanted guests can cause serious damage to homes beyond being an inconvenience.

Stuart Sinyard with Adams Exterminators said homeowners should take action now to protect their properties.

Pests can enter homes through various openings, including windows, doors, plumbing openings, electrical openings, or attic areas, Sinyard said.

“Basically, any opening in your home, whether it be windows, doors, plumbing openings, electrical openings, or attic areas. Anywhere where a pest can get into a home is a prime place that you want to have attention taken towards preventing anything from occurring,” he said.

While colder temperatures reduce overall pest activity compared to warmer months, rodent activity increases during winter as they seek warm shelter. Sinyard recommends sealing gaps and openings where pests might enter.

“Whether you have a contractor look at that and fill those voids, or sometimes you have folks that use spray foam to fill in those gaps and areas of concern. And then on top of that, inside your home, you want to make sure you have sanitary conditions,” he said.

Pet food should be stored in sealed plastic containers to prevent attracting pests. Homeowners should also regularly inspect attic areas for signs of rodent activity, including fecal material.

For homes with crawl spaces, Sinyard said homeowners should check vents leading into the crawl space for damage or gaps. The access door to the crawl space should also be properly sealed and inspected for rot or damage.

Silverfish and rodents are the most common pests during cooler months, according to Sinyard. Roaches and ants remain active year-round, though calls about these pests decrease in winter.

“Even when it’s cooler in South Georgia, you know, those things are going to be moving around. And if you have conditions inside your home, especially if everything’s not where it needs to be from a sanitation standpoint, that can be a problem,” he said.

Termites can destroy wood members inside homes and cause structural damage year-round. Rodents pose fire hazards by chewing on wiring, which can cause house fires.

“Rodents, you know, can also transmit diseases and issues from that standpoint, and sanitary issues. So definitely want to be mindful of trying to keep rodents out of your home as well,” Sinyard said.

Sinyard encourages homeowners to contact licensed pest control companies for evaluations when they have concerns about pests or rodents.

“The better your home or business is sealed up, the more energy efficient it’s going to be and the less of a chance you’re going to have of having a pest or rodent issue,” he said.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.