5 Expert Tips for Fall and Winter Pest Prevention in Commercial Buildings

As temperatures drop and days get shorter, pests like rodents, cockroaches and spiders start searching for a warm place to spend the winter. We know keeping your business protected isn’t just about comfort — it’s about keeping your reputation, operations and people safe.

Why do pests invade in cooler months?

• Seeking Warmth: Like us, pests prefer to shelter in warm, comfortable environments. During the colder months, their outside habitats can become too chilly, causing them to seek refuge inside.

• Lack of Natural Food Supply: Natural food sources like plants, seeds and other insects decrease during the fall and winter. Thus, pests must get more creative with their food supply, often turning towards homes and businesses for their next meal.

• Water Sources: Colder months mean less water sources that pests rely on. Fortunately for them, your building offers a convenient alternative.

• Shorter Daylight Hours: Some pests undergo “overwintering” during the fall and winter — this process is similar to hibernation, requiring a hospitable area for pests to spend their quieter periods.

Seasonal Pest Control Prevention Tips for Fall and Winter

Here’s a quick, five-step guide to staying ahead during the colder seasons:

1. Know Your Trouble Spots

Pests want what your facility has to offer — food, shelter and water. Focus your efforts where they’re most likely to show up:

• Loading docks and entryways

• Utility and mechanical rooms

• Employee break rooms and kitchens

• Dumpsters and trash areas

• Storage rooms and spots behind large equipment

Walk these areas regularly, looking for droppings, chewed materials, damaged packaging or live pests. Catching early warning signs means you’re acting, not just reacting. Our Fall Pest Guide goes deeper on where and why pests target these sites first.

2. Lean on Your Team

The more eyes, the better. Make sure your staff knows:

• What pest signs look like

• What conditions attract pests — spills, crumbs or leaking pipes

• How to report a problem fast

Orkin can help you train your teams, in-person or virtually. Training builds confidence and helps catch issues before they spread. Your people are a critical part of your pest control strategy.

3. Reinforce Your Perimeter

Think like a pest. They’ll use any opening they can find — cracks, utility lines and vents. Every gap is an invitation to your business. Here’s a few exterior pest prevention tips:

• Seal exterior cracks, crevices and utility points now with weather-resistant material so pests can’t set up shop this fall

• Check doors, windows and vents for solid seals

• Keep landscaping trimmed at least a foot away from the building and clear dead leaves quickly

• Use rodent control devices outdoors when needed, far from your entrances

These steps work together to shut down easy access and make your space less attractive from the outside in.

4. Make Sanitation a Non-Negotiable

Pests hate a clean space. As an interior pest prevention best practice, sticking to a regular sanitation routine will help create an environment your guests will love and pests will avoid:

• Clean drains, behind equipment and other hidden areas often

• Address crumbs, trash and standing water right away, especially in shared spaces

• Empty garbage daily, use tight lids and keep waste zones clean

• Use the right products, such as biotic cleaners that can break down the grease and food buildup pests rely on.

• Vacuum frequently, especially in corners and under furniture

Orkin offers VitalClean, an EPA-registered disinfectant to assist with sanitation in your facility.

5. Work With a Pro

You don’t have to do this alone. Every business is different, and every season brings new challenges. Our experts help you:

• Schedule routine inspections before pest activity spikes

• Find trouble spots before they become big issues

• Build a tailored prevention plan based on your facility layout and risk factors

An ongoing partnership keeps you ready for whatever the season brings.

Ready for What’s Next? Stay Protected Year-Round

An ongoing pest control partnership helps you stay ready — but it’s also about staying ahead. As conditions change, so do your risks for pests in your business. With an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program tailor-made for you by Orkin Pros, you get proactive inspections, targeted treatments and a plan built around your business.

FAQs: Fall and Winter Pest Prevention

1. What pests are most active in commercial buildings during fall and winter?

Rodents, cockroaches and spiders head indoors as temperatures drop. You might also see occasional ant or beetle activity, depending on your region.

2. How often should I inspect my building for pests?

At least weekly — more often if you’ve had past issues. High-traffic or high-risk zones need special attention as seasons change.

3. Is my facility at risk for pests, even if we’re clean?

Pests only need food, water and shelter. Even with strong cleaning habits, even the smallest gaps in doors or leftover crumbs can attract activity.

4. What do I do if I see evidence of pests?

Address it quickly. Isolate the area, clean up and contact your pest provider. The faster you act, the easier it is to control.

5. Why should I use a professional pest control provider?

A trained provider can spot issues you might miss, recommend improvements and handle treatments safely and effectively. They help you stay ahead, not just respond to problems.

6. Do I need pest control in the fall?

With temperatures lowering and food sources declining, it’s important to maintain your pest control plan in the fall to avoid pests from calling your facility home.

7. Do you need pest control in the winter?

Many pests look for warm, comfortable environments to settle in the winter. To avoid your building becoming a pest-haven during the colder seasons it is best to invest in a proactive pest control plan.

8. When to call a pest control professional?

Call a professional pest control provider as early as possible. As soon as you notice a pest issue in your facility, take note of it and call a professional to develop a customized plan for your building.

More Seasonal Pest Management Tips

Pests You May See On Your Property Year-Round

3 Common Pests To Keep Out Of Your Business This Spring

5 Reasons Summer Is The Season For Pests

How Your Pest Control Changes With The Seasons