Nationwide Polar Vortex Could Bring in Unwanted Houseguests

Entomologists share why pests are invading homes this winter and tips to keep them out

FAIRFAX, VA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As over 150 million Americans endure Arctic air, snow and ice from a gnarly polar vortex, the board-certified entomologists at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) are warning that extreme winter weather can drive pests like rodents indoors to seek shelter, food and warmth. Pests like cockroaches often enter homes as the weather cools in autumn and will remain active indoors, even during the extreme cold.

"When temperatures drop this dramatically, pests become desperate," said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at NPMA. "Rodents like mice and rats don't hibernate. Many pests actively search for warm places to survive. Our homes often provide exactly what they need."

Recent surveys conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA reveal 17% of Americans encountered rodents in their homes in 2025, and 21% have seen a cockroach.

"These statistics tell us that winter pest problems are real and concerning," added Fredericks. "But with the right prevention strategies and professional help, these infestations are manageable."

Rodents can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, while cockroaches can slip through cracks 1/16th of an inch. Inside, they contaminate food, spread disease, trigger allergies and asthma, and cause structural damage.

To help pest-proof your home this winter, NPMA recommends following these essential tips:

• Seal entry points with steel wool and caulk
• Install door sweeps and repair damaged weatherstripping
• Fix leaky pipes and use dehumidifiers in basements
• Declutter storage areas where pests can nest

Contact a qualified pest control professional if you see signs of an active infestation, hear scratching sounds in walls, or notice damage to food or wiring. To learn more, visit www.PestWorld.org.

About the National Pest Management Association
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 4,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, TikTok and YouTube and @PestWorldOfficial on Instagram.

Survey Methodology
These surveys were conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA in 2025 among U.S. adults ages 18+. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For more information, please contact [e-mail].