What Bugs Bite in Winter in the UK?
While bug bites are something that we can expect in the summer when we’re spending hours of the day outside, it’s not something we really consider for the winter months. But in fact, a few resilient bugs remain active.
Although many pests vanish during the winter months, a few can still cause bites and irritation.
Persistent pests—like bed bugs, fleas and even mites—can still bite in colder months, thriving indoors where it’s warm.
Knowing what bugs bite in winter in the UK and how to prevent them is the best way to protect your home and family from these seasonal annoyances.
Here, we cover the common pests that remain active in winter, why they persist in doors, and offer practical steps to help you stay bite-free all season.
Why do pests bite in winter?
While most biting pests thrive in warmer weather, the reason we’ll see them through winter is because, like us, they’ll retreat indoors when it’s cold outside.
Our homes become their winter hideouts, allowing them to remain active year-round. Pests like fleas, bed bugs, and certain spiders stay active and bite in winter, taking advantage of the warmth and food sources in our homes.
Common biting pests in the UK during winter
Bed bugs
The small, reddish-brown insects are infamous for their bites. In their wake, they leave itchy, red welts on the skin. Even though bed bugs don’t carry diseases, their bites leave your skin irritated, and they can cause allergic reactions for some.
Unfortunately, bed bugs don’t die off in cold weather; instead, they thrive indoors, especially in bedding, carpets and furniture.
Fleas
Fleas are small, wingless insects that are able to jump great distances. They’re notorious for biting both pets and humans.
While they typically are more active in summer, they can survive indoors in winter, especially if there are pets in the home.
Warm homes and pets provide with a comfortable environment to breed and bite throughout the cold seasons. Flea eggs can remain dormant for months and hatch either when they detect movement or when the temperature is suitable.
House spiders
While the majority of spiders in the UK aren’t dangerous, some species, like the false widow spider, will bite if threatened.
Spider bites are typically mildly uncomfortable, but in some cases, people can suffer from allergic reactions.
During winter, you’ll notice more spiders in your home as they seek warmth, creating unsightly webs in corners and under your furniture.
Mites
Mites are tiny, often invisible pests that cause itchy bites. Dust mites are one of the most common types you’ll find in UK homes, especially in bedding, carpets, and upholstery.
Dust mites don’t bite, but their presence can result in skin irritation and allergic reactions for some individuals.
Bird mites and rodent mites can sometimes make their way indoors in winter and will bite humans if their usual hosts are unavailable.
Mosquitoes
While this isn’t particularly common, some mosquito species can survive indoors through winter, where there are often warm, humid environments.
Mosquito bites will cause itchy bumps and sometimes allergic reactions.
Winter-active mosquitoes may breed in indoor water sources, such as plant trays or bathrooms.
How to stay bite-free in winter
Keeping your home from winter-biting pests requires a few simple but effective practices:
- Maintain a clean home: Regularly vacuum, dust and wash bedding and furniture. This can make a big difference in preventing pests from settling in.
- Control indoor humidity: A lot of the bugs that bite in winter thrive in warm and humid conditions. So, it’s a good idea to control indoor humidity with the addition of a humidifier in the home. Aim to keep your humidity levels below 50%.
- Seal entry points: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings. Pests will look for the smallest spaces to burrow their way in, so check doors, windows, and pipes to ensure they’re all closed off.
- Use insect control products: For certain pests, insect sprays, traps, or repellents can work. Always opt for non-toxic options that are safe around children and pets.
- Monitor pets: If you have pets, ensure that they are regularly groomed and use flea prevention tactics to help prevent them from spreading indoors.
- Clean pet bedding: Again, if you have pets, wash their bedding regularly. Also, ensure that you regularly vacuum in the areas that they frequent, as pet dander is a food source for dust mites.
- Inspect secondhand items: If you’re a thrift lover, you must inspect secondhand items, both furniture and clothing, to ensure that no pests are hitch-hiking their way into your home.
When to call a professional
While most pest problems can likely be managed with DIY solutions, persistent pests or larger infestations may require professional help.
Call Premier Pest Control, who will assess the situation and provide the right treatments to eliminate winter bugs effectively and ensure that your home is a cosy sanctuary for you to enjoy through the colder seasons.