8 Winter Pests in Regina You Didn't Know You Needed to Worry About

When you’re bundling up to brave Regina’s winter, guess who else is preparing for the cold? That’s right—pests! While you’re sipping hot cocoa, they’re plotting to gate-crash your cozy yard.

Winter survival isn’t just for humans—insects have mastered the art. They’ll sneak in, nest, and freeload off your hard-earned warmth.

In this blog, we uncover the winter pests you need to keep an eye out for, and why pest control during the colder months is important.

Common Winter Pests in Regina

1. Rodents (Mice, Voles, and Rats)

Rodents are winter’s most common unwelcome guests, sneaking into Regina homes and yards to escape the cold. Whether it’s mice, voles, or rats, these critters can be a nuisance.

They gnaw on wires (hello, fire hazard), damage insulation, and leave droppings that can spread diseases. Spotting them isn’t too hard—scratching noises in walls, chewed packaging, or a trail of droppings are all tell-tale signs.

To keep them out, seal even the tiniest cracks and gaps since rodents can squeeze through spaces the size of a dime. Store food in airtight containers, keep garbage covered, and vacuum up crumbs. Don’t forget to clear pet food.

Maintaining a clean kitchen and clutter-free storage areas will make your home less inviting. And if they still find a way in, there’s always BuzzShield® Rodent.

2. Spiders

When winter hits Regina, spiders aren’t hibernating; they’re looking for warm places to move into. These eight-legged freeloaders, from house spiders spinning webs in warm corners to wolf spiders scuttling along the floor, seek shelter from the cold.

While most spiders are harmless (and actually help control other pests), their webs can be a nuisance, and the occasional bite, though rare, isn’t exactly a welcome surprise.

Winter clutter (you all know what we’re talking about) is a spider’s dream. To keep spiders away, declutter your home regularly. Fewer nooks and crannies mean fewer spiders. Consider installing pest-repelling outdoor lights to eliminate the insects spiders love to snack on. Remember, no invitation for their prey means no reason for spiders to hang around.

3. Squirrels

Squirrels may seem adorable frolicking in trees, but they’re less charming when they turn your yard and attic into a winter lodge. These critters chew through wood, insulation, and even wiring, leaving behind costly damage.

If you hear scurrying sounds above or notice gnawed wood, you may have a squirrel squatter. To keep them away, trim tree branches that might be close to your home (squirrels might use them as bridges).

Also seal entry points and consider squirrel-proofing measures like deterrent sprays or metal barriers. Cute as they are, squirrels belong outside!

4. Raccoons

Raccoons are the ultimate trash pandas, raiding garbage bins and making themselves right at home in chimneys and attics. These clever critters will tip over trash cans, tear through vents, and leave tracks in their wake.

If you’ve noticed overturned bins or strange noises from the attic, you might have a raccoon problem. Prevention starts with securing trash bins tightly (bonus points for using bungee cords) and installing chimney caps to block entry.

Remove outdoor food sources, like pet bowls or birdseed, to reduce temptation. If all else fails, calling professional wildlife trapping and removal services might be the order of the day.

5. Boxelder Bugs (Maple Bugs)

Boxelder bugs or maple bugs are the bugs you didn’t know you needed to worry about until your windows become their winter hangout.

While harmless, they gather in large numbers, often squeezing through cracks to bask in warm indoor spots. You’ll spot them clustered near windows or sunny walls, adding unwanted obstructions to your view.

So how do you get rid of them? Yes, seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping. If a few stragglers make it in, vacuum them up and toss them outside. They’re actually more annoying than harmful, but who needs the nuisance?

To avoid them, inspect second-hand items thoroughly and use protective mattress covers. Wash bedding regularly in hot water to get rid of them.

6. Silverfish

Silverfish love Regina winters as much as they love your books and wallpaper. These fast-moving, silvery pests thrive in damp, dark areas like basements and bathrooms.

Their appetite for starchy materials can ruin paper, glue, and fabric. Left unchecked, they can cause significant damage to stored boxes, old documents, and even clothing.

Spotting them is easiest when you see their metallic shimmer darting across the floor.
Keep them away by using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture, sealing food and paper products, and vacuuming regularly.

7. Cluster Flies

Cluster flies are less about stealth and more about numbers. These pests invade homes in droves, clustering around sunny windows and warm walls to ride out the winter.

While not harmful, they’re a buzzing nuisance you don’t want around. Their sheer numbers can also leave unsightly stains on walls and windows.

Prevent them from moving in by sealing cracks around windows, doors, and siding. If they’re already inside, vacuum them up and use fly traps. Proactive pest control treatments can help keep these buzzing freeloaders from overwintering in your home.

8. Bats

Bats are an immense help for summer insect control, but in winter, they’re all about finding a snug attic to roost. Unfortunately, their guano (droppings) creates unsanitary conditions and unpleasant smells.

If you have a bat hiding in your attic or storage, you’ll see droppings around entry points and hear squeaking noises at night.

Keep them out by sealing cracks and installing chimney caps. For a more wildlife-friendly approach, install bat boxes away from your home to give them a better option. If bats have already moved in, professional wildlife control can safely and humanely relocate them.

For further reading, check our top 7 winter pest control tips.

Stay Pest-Free This Winter With Buzz Boss

Winter pests in Regina are sneaky in the way they move in. But you can still prevent an infestation. Whether it’s rodents burrowing under the snow, raccoons raiding your garbage, or spiders finding warmth indoors, proactive pest-proofing is key.

At Buzz Boss, we offer pest exclusion services to keep your home and yard free of pests during winter. If invaders like raccoons, squirrels, or skunks move in, our humane wildlife removal services ensure safe relocations.

Get ahead of infestations with a free estimate, and let us protect your property year-round. We proudly serve Regina and surrounding cities, including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and the Okanagan, and Kelowna.