Late Winter Pests in Tidewater Virginia: What Homeowners Should Watch for in February

While February may feel like the quiet season for pests, late winter is actually when many infestations start building behind the scenes. Cooler temperatures drive insects and rodents indoors, and as the weather slowly begins to warm across Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and the surrounding Tidewater area, pest activity ramps up fast.

Catching problems now can save you bigger headaches this spring.

Here’s what Coastal Pest Control sees most often in February.


🐜 Ants Start Searching for Food and Warmth

Even though outdoor ant colonies slow down in winter, ants frequently move inside homes looking for warmth and moisture.

Common February ant issues include:

  • Kitchen and pantry

  • Ants coming in around windows and doors

  • Moisture-loving ants in bathrooms and crawlspaces

Once spring hits, these small indoor colonies can explode into major infestations.

Tip: Seal cracks, wipe down food areas daily, and address ants early before warmer weather arrives.


🐭 Rodents Stay Active All Winter Long

Rats and mice don’t hibernate — and February is prime time for indoor nesting.

Signs to watch for:

  • Scratching sounds in walls or attics

  • Droppings in cabinets or garages

  • Chewed wires, insulation, or food containers

Rodents multiply quickly and can cause serious damage if left untreated.

Early control now prevents large spring populations.


🐜 Termite Season Is Closer Than You Think

In Tidewater Virginia, termite swarming season usually begins in early spring — sometimes as soon as March when temperatures rise.

February is the perfect time to:

  • Schedule termite inspections

  • Address moisture issues around foundations

  • Check crawlspaces and wood structures

Catching termites early can prevent thousands in structural damage.


🕷️ Spiders & Overwintering Insects Become More Visible

As temperatures fluctuate, pests that hid all winter begin moving around again — including spiders, stink bugs, cockroaches, and silverfish.

Many of these pests live inside wall voids and crawlspaces year-round.

A professional winter treatment keeps populations low before spring breeding starts.


Why Late Winter Pest Control Matters

Most homeowners wait until pests are obvious — but by then infestations are already well-established.

February service helps:

✅ Prevent spring outbreaks
✅ Reduce indoor pest populations
✅ Protect against termite damage
✅ Keep rodents under control

It’s one of the smartest times of year to get ahead of problems.


Trust Coastal Pest Control — Serving Tidewater for Over 30 Years

At Coastal Pest Control, we’ve been protecting homes and businesses across:

With over 30 years of local experience and 1,200+ five-star reviews, we know exactly what pests affect our area — and how to stop them.

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/category/pests.html

author avatar
Lane Hayden