Ohio winters bring more than just snow and ice — they drive a diverse array of pests right to your doorstep. Keep reading as we cover everything you need to know about keeping these winter pests at bay.

Common Winter Insects You’ll Find in Your Home

Spiders

While many people fear spiders, it’s important to remember that most species found in the Buckeye State are harmless. The most common indoor spiders in Ohio include:

Common House Spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum): These small, brown spiders are frequently found in corners, under furniture, or in basements.
Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae family): Often called “daddy long-legs” (though this term is also used for harvestmen, which are not true spiders), these have long, thin legs and tend to build irregular webs in corners and dark areas.
Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae family): These larger, ground-dwelling spiders don’t build webs but actively hunt their prey. They may wander into homes seeking warmth or following other insects.

Spiders typically enter homes through small cracks and openings, often following the paths of their insect prey. Unlike some pests, spiders don’t cause damage to structures or spread diseases. However, their presence can be unsettling for many homeowners, and in rare cases, bites from certain species can cause discomfort.

So, how can you tell if spiders have taken up residence in your home? Be on the lookout for these signs:

Visible webs in corners, along ceilings, or in other undisturbed areas.
Egg sacs, which are small, round, silken cases often attached to webs or hidden in secluded areas.
Live spiders, particularly in basements, garages, or quiet areas of the home.

To minimize spider intrusions this winter, focus on reducing their food sources by controlling other insect populations in and around your home.

Overwintering Insects

Some insects, known as “overwintering” pests, seek shelter in homes during the fall to hibernate through the winter months. However, the warmth inside our homes can sometimes cause these insects to become active, resulting in unexpected appearances on mild winter days.

Common overwintering insects in the Cleveland region include:

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (Halyomorpha halys): These shield-shaped bugs have become increasingly prevalent in Ohio since their introduction in the late 1990s. They emit an unpleasant odor when disturbed and can gather in large numbers on warm surfaces of homes.
Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles (Harmonia axyridis): Often mistaken for native ladybugs, these insects were introduced for pest control but have become a nuisance themselves. They tend to huddle in large groups and can release a yellowish, foul-smelling liquid when disturbed.
Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata): Recognizable by their black bodies with distinctive red markings, these insects are particularly attracted to homes with boxelder or maple trees nearby.
Cluster Flies (Pollenia rudis): Slightly larger than house flies, cluster flies enter homes in the fall to overwinter and can emerge in large numbers on warm days, often swarming around windows.

These insects typically enter homes through small cracks and crevices in the exterior, around windows and doors, or through vents and chimneys. While they don’t pose significant health risks, they can be a considerable nuisance.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a year-round concern in Ohio, but they can become particularly problematic in winter as they seek warm, humid environments with access to food and water. The following species are native to our region and are notoriously difficult to eradicate once they establish themselves in a home:

German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica): These small, light brown roaches are the most common indoor species. They prefer warm, humid areas near food and water sources, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana): Larger than their German counterparts, these reddish-brown roaches are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and around drains.

What’s worse, both species of cockroaches carry and spread pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. Plus, their droppings can trigger allergies and asthma, particularly in children or those with a compromised immune system.

That’s why it’s so important to be able to recognize the signs of a cockroach infestation:

Droppings that resemble coffee grounds or ground pepper, often found in kitchen cabinets, along baseboards, or in other concealed areas.
A musty, oily odor in heavily infested areas.
Egg cases (oothecae), which are small, brown, purse-shaped capsules often glued to surfaces in hidden areas.

Are roaches taking over your home this winter? Forget the traps and the mess; Lakewood Exterminating’s cockroach removal service is the stress-free solution you’ve been looking for!

Termites

The most common termite species in Ohio is the eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes). Now, termites are often thought of as a problem that only arises during the warm months, but in reality, they can remain active throughout the year — especially in heated structures

During the winter, termite colonies that are located deep underground or within the warm areas in your home can continue to feed and reproduce. While it’s less common to see signs of new termite activity outside your home during the colder months, any existing infestations within the heated portions of your house can continue to thrive and spread.

Other Common Winter Pests: Rats, Rodents & Raccoons

Rodents

When it comes to winter pest invasions in Ohio, the house mouse (Mus musculus) and the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) are the most persistent intruders. As winter approaches, they actively seek warm shelter, reliable food sources, and access to water — all of which your home conveniently provides.

But these rodents are not “just” a nuisance; they pose serious health risks, carrying diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis. On top of that, their constant gnawing can damage your electrical wiring, insulation, wood structures, and more.

Here’s how to tell if you have a rodent problem:

Droppings near food sources, in cupboards, under sinks, or in hidden areas like the back of drawers or closets.
Gnaw marks on food packaging, wooden structures, or electrical wires.
Scratching or scurrying noises in walls, ceilings, or under floorboards, especially at night when these nocturnal creatures are most active.
Greasy rub marks along baseboards or walls, caused by the oils in their fur as they travel along the same paths repeatedly.
Nests made from shredded paper, fabric, or other soft materials, often hidden in secluded areas like attics or behind appliances.

Raccoons

While insects and rodents are common winter concerns, raccoons can also become problematic during the colder months. They’re drawn to warmth, shelter, and easy access to food, making them another common winter pest for homeowners across Ohio.

But contrary to popular belief, raccoons don’t actually hibernate like some other mammals. Instead, they tend to become less active during the coldest stretches of winter, sometimes holing up in their dens for several days at a time to conserve energy.

In cities and suburbs across Ohio, such as Cleveland, raccoons often find the perfect winter denning sites in attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces. These areas offer protection from harsh weather conditions and a cozy place to ride out the coldest days of the year.

If you notice any of the following this winter, there’s a good chance raccoons have nested in your home:

Loud thumping or scratching noises in the attic, walls, or chimney, especially at night.
Damage to roof shingles, soffits, or fascia boards where raccoons have attempted to gain entry.
Large, dark droppings left on decks, in gutters, or near entry points.
Overturned trash cans or signs of foraging in outdoor pet food dishes.
Tracks in snow or mud around your home that resemble small human handprints.

Winter Bugs in Your House? See Signs of Rodents? It’s Time to Call the Experts!

Cleveland winters can be tough enough without the added stress of pest infestations. That’s why smart homeowners choose Lakewood Exterminating. With us, you’re not just getting a winter pest control service; you’re gaining a partner who is committed to your satisfaction and peace of mind. We stand behind our work with a 60-day warranty on our single-service general pest treatments. That’s right! If any unwanted guests reappear during this period, we’ll be back to show them the door, without charging you an extra dime.

Comprehensive Pest Control in the Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall

Want a surefire way to keep winter bugs out of your house? Our quarterly pest control service is the perfect solution. Every three months, our technicians will visit your property to inspect, treat, and prevent infestations. With our proactive approach, you can rest easy knowing that your home is protected against the most common winter pests in Ohio, including:

Spiders
Cockroaches
Termites
Rodents
Raccoons
And more!

This winter, give yourself the gift of peace of mind. Contact us for a personalized pest control quote!