When the Weather Starts to Warm Up in the Twin Cities, Pests Start Moving Too

Tony Pacheco • February 16, 2026

That first hint of warmer weather in the Twin Cities can feel like a relief after a long winter. But while we’re enjoying slightly sunnier days and melting snow, pests are taking it as their cue to wake up and get moving. Even small temperature changes are enough to kick off pest activity across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

In this region, many insects spend the winter tucked away in wall voids, attics, tree bark, and underground. As soon as daytime temperatures creep upward, pests like ants, boxelder bugs, spiders, and stink bugs begin emerging. Homeowners are often surprised to see activity “this early,” but in reality, these pests have been waiting patiently for the first opportunity.

Moisture plays a major role this time of year, especially with snowmelt and early spring rain common throughout Western Wisconsin. Damp soil around foundations and standing water near homes create ideal conditions for ants and other insects to expand their colonies and move closer to structures.

Rodents also take advantage of these seasonal shifts. As outdoor food sources change and nesting opportunities open up, mice and rats may explore garages, basements, and crawl spaces — particularly in older homes where small gaps and utility openings are common.

This early warm-up window is one of the best times to act. Scheduling preventative pest control now can help stop issues before peak spring pressure hits, when pest activity increases rapidly and problems are harder to control. Early service focuses on exclusion, monitoring, and prevention — not just reacting once pests are already inside.

Around here, warmer weather doesn’t just mean spring is coming — it means pests are already on the move. Getting ahead of them now can make the entire season quieter, cleaner, and far less stressful.