As temperatures drop in winter, mice, rats, and other rodents look for a warm place to seek shelter — and your house makes the perfect hideout. These unwanted guests can chew through plastic, wood, and even walls to gain entry, creating entry points that let them access your pantry and contaminate food.
To keep your home pest free, here are expert tips from Insight Pest Management on how to prevent rodents from turning your winter into a rodent infestation nightmare.
1. Seal All Entry Points
Rodents can gain access through even small cracks or holes around windows, pipes, and exterior doors. Use steel wool, hardware cloth, or wire mesh to seal these gaps. Check for damaged screens or larger holes in vents and around your crawl space or attic, and repair them promptly.
A good rule of thumb: if you can fit a pencil into a gap, a mouse can squeeze through it!
2. Keep Food Secure — Especially Pet Food
Mice and rats are attracted to food sources like crumbs, pet food bowls, and open containers. Always store food — especially pet food — in airtight containers made of metal or thick plastic (never thin plastic bags, which rodents can easily chew through). Clean up crumbs and spoiled food, and regularly inspect your pantry for torn food packaging or gnaw marks.
Even small traces of food can attract pests and other animals like squirrels or spiders, so wipe down counters and other surfaces often.
3. Eliminate Outdoor Attractants
Outside your home, store firewood and wood piles at least 20 feet away from the foundation. Leaf piles and cluttered storage areas are common nesting sites where rodents seek shelter before moving indoors. When you store or handle firewood, check for signs of rodents such as teeth marks, droppings, or holes.
Also, store garbage in sealed bins — rodents can chew through plastic and gain entry if trash is left exposed.
4. Inspect Key Areas Often
Regularly inspect your basement, attic, and crawl space for signs of an infestation, such as droppings, chew marks, or nesting materials. If you notice signs like scratching sounds in the walls or a sudden mouse problem, take action immediately to avoid structural damage and the spread of diseases.
5. Call a Professional Pest Control Team
DIY traps and deterrents can only go so far. For long-term protection, hire a licensed pest control specialist who understands local pest issues and uses proven techniques to prevent rodents from returning. The National Pest Management Association recommends scheduling a professional inspection every season — especially before winter.
Stay Rodent-Free This Winter
Don’t let unwanted guests like mice and rats turn your cozy home into a winter hideout.
If you suspect a rodent infestation, contact Insight Pest Management today for expert pest control service.
Call (805) 628-2881 now or schedule your inspection online to protect your home and keep it pest free all winter long.
