Black Rat: Black rats, also called roof rats, are agile rodents that often seek shelter indoors during the coldest months. In February, they are especially active inside homes, attics, and garages, searching for warmth and food. Their slender bodies and excellent climbing skills allow them to access upper floors and hidden spaces. Black rats can contaminate food, chew through wires, and leave droppings, posing health risks. Their presence is more noticeable in winter because outdoor food sources are scarce, driving them indoors.

House Mouse: House mice are small rodents that become more visible in winter as they look for warmth and food inside buildings. February is a peak time for indoor activity because the cold weather limits their ability to survive outside. They can squeeze through tiny openings and quickly establish nests in walls, basements, and storage areas. House mice reproduce rapidly, so even a small number can become a larger problem by the end of winter. Their droppings and gnawing can damage property and contaminate food supplies.

German Cockroach: German cockroaches are small, light brown insects that thrive in warm, humid environments, making kitchens and bathrooms ideal hiding spots during winter. In February, they are more likely to be found indoors because the cold weather outside is lethal to them. They hide in cracks, behind appliances, and inside cabinets, coming out at night to search for food and water. German cockroaches multiply quickly and can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children.

Cluster Fly: Cluster flies are larger than houseflies and are known for gathering in large numbers inside attics and wall voids during winter. In February, they remain mostly dormant but may become active on sunny days when indoor temperatures rise. They enter homes in the fall to hibernate and can be seen buzzing around windows as they try to get outside. While they do not breed indoors or cause structural damage, their presence can be a nuisance and their dead bodies attract other pests.

Silverfish: Silverfish are small, silvery insects that prefer damp, cool areas such as basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. In February, they are often found indoors because the dry, cold outdoor conditions are unsuitable for them. They feed on starchy materials like paper, glue, and fabrics, which can lead to damage of books, wallpaper, and clothing. Silverfish are nocturnal and move quickly, making them hard to spot during the day. Their presence is a sign of moisture problems in the home.

Boxelder Bug: Boxelder bugs are black and red insects that seek shelter inside buildings to escape the winter cold. In February, they remain hidden in wall voids, attics, and around windows, occasionally becoming active on warmer days. While they do not cause structural damage or reproduce indoors, they can stain surfaces with their excrement and emit a foul odor if crushed. Their activity is most noticeable when they try to move toward light sources as temperatures fluctuate.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: Brown marmorated stink bugs are shield-shaped insects that invade homes in the fall to overwinter. By February, they are still hiding in attics, wall voids, and crawl spaces, sometimes emerging on sunny days. They do not bite or damage property, but their presence can be unsettling, and they release a strong, unpleasant odor when disturbed or crushed. Their indoor activity is driven by the need to stay warm until spring arrives.