As winter begins to fade and temperatures fluctuate in Walnut Creek, pest activity quietly ramps up. While spring is known as peak pest season, late winter—especially mid-February—is when many infestations start.
At Pest Pros Pest Solutions, we often see Walnut Creek homeowners surprised by ants, rodents, spiders, and overwintering pests this time of year. The truth is, pests don’t wait for spring—they prepare for it.
Here’s what’s happening right now in Walnut Creek and how you can stay ahead before small issues turn into ongoing problems.
Why Pests Become Active in Late Winter in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek’s mild winters, occasional rain, and warm afternoon temperatures create the perfect conditions for pest movement. As soil moisture changes and nighttime temperatures drop, pests look for stable shelter—often inside homes.
Common late-winter triggers include:
- Rain pushing ants indoors
- Cooler nights driving rodents deeper into attics and walls
- Spiders relocating as outdoor insect activity shifts
- Well-sealed homes making pest activity harder to notice until it increases
February is a critical window for prevention in Contra Costa County.
Pests Commonly Seen in Walnut Creek in February
Ants
Ants are typically the first sign of seasonal change in Walnut Creek homes. Even a few warmer days can send scouting ants indoors searching for food and water.
Homeowners often notice:
- Ant trails along baseboards and kitchen counters
- Activity near sinks, pet bowls, and pantries
- Ants appearing shortly after rain
Early ant activity almost always points to a larger colony nearby.
Rodents
Rodents don’t hibernate, and by late winter they’re often well-established if they found access earlier in the season.
Warning signs include:
- Scratching or movement in walls or ceilings
- Droppings in garages, storage areas, or pantries
- Chewed insulation, wiring, or stored items
In Walnut Creek, rodent activity often becomes noticeable in February—even though entry happened months earlier.
Spiders
Spiders become more visible indoors during late winter as rain and cooler nights drive them inside.
While most spiders are harmless, their presence often signals:
- Gaps around doors, vents, or garage seals
- Increased insect activity nearby
- Overwintering pests hidden within walls or storage spaces
Overwintering Pests
Certain pests spend winter hidden inside structures and emerge as temperatures shift.
These include:
- Stink bugs
- Boxelder bugs
- Occasional invaders near windows, ceilings, and light fixtures
Seeing them now usually means they entered earlier in winter.
Why Waiting Until Spring Can Be a Mistake
By the time spring arrives in Walnut Creek, pests are already active, reproducing, and established. Waiting often leads to:
- Larger infestations
- More frequent treatments
- Increased damage or contamination
Late winter is the best time to interrupt pest cycles before they accelerate.
How Pest Pros Helps Walnut Creek Homeowners Stay Ahead
Our approach focuses on prevention, not reaction. During late winter services, we:
- Identify early signs of pest activity
- Treat entry points and harborage areas
- Reduce conditions that attract pests
- Build a protective barrier before spring pressure hits
If pests come back, so do we.
Schedule Before the Spring Rush Hits
February is the calm before the storm. Taking action now means fewer surprises, less stress, and better protection heading into spring.
📞 Call 916-461-1PRO or schedule online to protect your Walnut Creek home.
Do you have pest control—or do you have Pest Pros?
Proudly serving Northern California families with proactive, honest pest solutions.