These Pests Actually Hibernate In Your Garden Over Winter
When winter rolls in and the garden freezes over, it's easy to think that any pests are gone too. However, beneath the soil, tucked in bark, or hidden among fallen leaves, insects and critters are far from gone. Come spring, they’ll be ready to cause trouble. Knowing who’s camping out in your garden over winter helps you prepare now and protect your plants when the warm weather returns.
Aphids
Many species of aphid lay tiny eggs on the underside of leaves or near the base of stems before the cold sets in. These eggs survive freezing temperatures and hatch as soon as it warms up. Left unchecked, a single batch of eggs can turn into a major infestation early in the growing season, feeding on new growth before plants even get a strong start.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails don't completely die off in the cold. Instead, they burrow into the soil or hide beneath mulch and leaf litter where temperatures stay stable and warm. Even in freezing conditions, they can survive if there's enough cover. These pests come back out as soon as it's wet and mild out, often damaging seedlings before you've had a chance to notice.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are a year-round problem in many regions, but they're experts at overwintering in fallen leaves and dry stems. They can settle into the cracks of bark, along fence lines, or in any plant material left on the ground. They multiply quickly once they emerge, feeding on sap and weakening plants. Cleaning up dead foliage now doesn’t just tidy the garden, it removes their hiding places before they become a bigger issue.
Cabbage Worms
Even if you removed all the caterpillars you could find last summer, cabbage worms often stay behind in another form. They pupate in more sheltered garden spots, including under rocks, around the base of brassicas, or inside curled leaves. These pupae emerge as moths or butterflies when it warms up, starting the cycle again. Removing plant debris and inspecting overwintering areas helps limit how many survive the cold months.
Vine Weevil
Adult vine weevils may disappear in the fall, but their larvae stay behind. They live in the soil, feeding on the roots of many garden favorites, including container plants. Cold weather doesn't faze them much either. They slowly eat their way through root systems all winter long, causing damage that may not be visible until plants start failing in spring. Digging around suspect areas can help expose (and discourage) them before they do too much harm.
Earwigs
Though earwigs aren't always destructive, they can become a problem when numbers rise. They overwinter in damp, dark spots such as under logs, stones, or thick mulch. Sometimes they even lay eggs underground. By the time spring arrives, they’re ready to feed on tender seedlings, especially in vegetable gardens. Reducing hiding spots and turning over heavy mulch can help control their population before they have a chance to spread.
Cutworms
Cutworms, the larvae of several moth species, overwinter by curling into the soil near the base of plants or under plant debris. They're inactive in the coldest weather, but don't die off. As soon as the ground softens, they begin feeding, often going after seedlings and cutting through young stems at the base. Tilling the soil in late winter or early spring can help expose and reduce their numbers before planting.
Just because pests aren't visible in winter doesn’t mean they’re gone. Many are just waiting for the right conditions to return. Watch for signs, disturb their hiding places, and keep your garden beds tidy through the off-season. The time you put in now will pay off when growing season arrives.