Winter may seem quiet when it comes to pests, but for our technicians at Innovative Pest Solutions, it is anything but slow. While many insects are less visible during colder months, winter is one of the most important seasons for prevention and inspection.

In this edition of “A Day in the Life,” we sat down with Tayvion, one of our newly certified pest control technicians, who has gone above and beyond to become certified early. Tay has been in the industry for three months and recently passed his pest control exam with flying colors, doing more than the state requires of him! Even as a newer technician, he is already gaining hands-on experience across Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill and learning firsthand how winter pest control sets the stage for the busy spring and summer seasons ahead.

Here’s a look at what a winter day in the life in the field really look like for Tay.

A Day in the Life: What Winter Stops Really Look Like

For Tay, winter service days begin with meeting the homeowner and setting expectations.

“Most of the time, you show up and meet the customer first,” Tay explains. “In winter, a lot of what we’re doing is de-webbing and clearing around the home.”

He notes that in areas like Chapel Hill, webbing can be especially heavy. Clearing those webs not only improves the home’s appearance but also removes harborage areas where pests might settle when temperatures warm up.

Unlike the summer months, winter calls rarely involve seeing large numbers of active insects outside. “It’s very rare that you’ll deal with physical insects outside because of the weather,” he says. “There’s always a small chance to see ants or something here and there, but most of the time we’re focusing on clearing, spraying, and laying out granular treatments.”

Winter service is largely preventative. The goal is to maintain a protective barrier around the home so that when pest activity increases in warmer months, the house is already protected.

Winter vs. Summer: Prevention vs. Reaction

When asked how winter differs from warmer months, Tay points out a key distinction.

“In the summertime, you’re going to physically see a lot more insects,” he says. “Winter is more preventative. Summer is more reactive.”

During the warmer months, technicians often respond to active infestations involving wasps, ants, and roaches. In winter, the focus shifts to reducing conditions that allow those pests to thrive later.

Winter work may not always involve dramatic pest sightings, but it plays a crucial role in long-term pest control success.

The Most Common Winter Pest Calls

Even though winter slows down many insects, some pests remain active year-round in North Carolina.

“Mainly roaches,” Tay says when asked about the most common winter problems. “German roaches and smoky brown roaches.”

German roaches are indoor pests that thrive in kitchens and bathrooms where warmth and moisture are available. Smoky brown roaches, on the other hand, typically live outdoors but may move inside when temperatures drop.

While Tay occasionally encounters ants during winter, roaches are the primary concern for many homeowners this time of year.

What Homeowners Don’t Always Notice

One of the most important parts of Tay’s job is identifying entry points that homeowners may never think about.

“When I’m inside the house, I look really closely at thresholds and anywhere there could be gaps,” he explains. “If I’m near a fireplace, especially if it was added onto the house later, sometimes there’s spacing that wasn’t originally sealed properly.”

He also checks common but overlooked areas in kitchens and bathrooms.

“Under sinks is a big one,” Tay says. “You’ll see those silver caps where the plumbing pipes come through the wall. A lot of people don’t realize you can pull that cap back and there can be a pretty big hole behind it. It’s not always sealed.”

These small gaps may not seem significant, but they can provide easy access for pests seeking warmth during the winter.

How Cold Weather Changes Pest Behavior

Cold weather does not eliminate pests, but it does change how they behave.

“They’re a lot more docile in winter,” Tay explains. “They’re not as aggressive as in the summertime.”

For example, wasps that might aggressively defend a nest in summer are often far less active in winter. “If you have wasps in a chimney during colder weather, they may fly around a bit, but they’re not as aggressive because they’re just trying to survive.”

Understanding these seasonal behavior changes helps technicians approach treatments more effectively and safely.

The Best Part of the Job

For Tay, the most rewarding part of winter service calls is helping homeowners feel at ease.

“Bringing them comfort,” he says with a smile. “When you get to the bottom of an issue for somebody and you see the look on their face, it’s a relief for them. And honestly, it’s a relief for me too.”

That shared moment of resolution is what makes the job meaningful. Winter pest concerns can cause stress, especially when homeowners are unsure what’s happening inside their walls or crawlspaces. Being able to provide answers and solutions is what Tay enjoys most.

Advice for Homeowners This Winter

Tay keeps his advice straightforward.

“Make sure your home is properly sealed,” he says. “If you can feel air coming through windows or gaps, that’s something to address.”

He also emphasizes the importance of ongoing pest control service. “Keeping up with your pest control helps maintain a preventative barrier around the house. When pests start becoming more active again, they’ll cross that barrier.”

Winter may feel quiet, but it is one of the most important times to maintain protection. Adding a barrier around your home will lead to long term solutions to your pest problems.

Growing with IPS

As a newly certified technician, Tay is still early in his pest control career, but his enthusiasm is clear. After studying hard for his exam and officially earning his certification, he is excited for the experience ahead.

“Summer’s going to be fun,” he says, looking forward to the busy season.

At Innovative Pest Solutions, we value technicians who are eager to learn, serve, and grow. Winter is the foundation for the year ahead, and technicians like Tay are helping ensure our customers’ homes are protected long before pest season peaks.

If you see Tay on your next service visit, be sure to say hello! Also keep an eye for the next Day in the Life post about Tay after he has had some summer experience.