Winter Tips on How To Prevent Rodents

• Prevention is the most effective defense, focusing on sealing entry points and eliminating attractants.
• Rodents seek warmth and food indoors as external resources diminish with cold weather.
• When infestation occurs, a combination of trapping, targeted treatments, and professional assistance ensures thorough eradication.

As temperatures drop, the comfort of a warm home becomes appealing not just to you, but to a host of unwelcome guests. Rodents, including mice and rats, pose a significant risk to property owners by damaging structures and spreading disease. If you’re looking at homes for sale in Montpelier, VT or Sioux Falls, SD, or if you’re searching for insights to mitigate these rodent risks, this Redfin guide provides essential and actionable strategies to help your preparedness during the winter season. 

Understand why rodents are more active during colder seasons

Rodents are opportunistic survivors who, according to the vice president of Richland Pest and Bee Control, Michael Sarnese, are more likely to migrate indoors during the colder seasons. Michael says this indoor migration happens due to “outdoor food resources becoming scarce.” Their main objective in colder months is to secure two things: consistent food and a reliable heat source.

According to Pest Control Technology (PCT), states affected by rodents the most include Vermont, South Dakota, and North Dakota. However, it isn’t just these colder climate regions that are affected by rodents as PCT states, “According to the American Housing Survey, 11.6% of households nationwide report problems annually.” 

As natural food sources become scarce and outdoor shelter grows inhospitable, your home transforms into an attractive sanctuary. Even small entry points, such as gaps around utility lines or foundation cracks, can become an open invitation for these pests to nest, reproduce, and cause structural damage inside your walls and attic. Understanding this shift in rodent behavior is the first step toward effective winter prevention.

5 Tips on how to prevent rodent infestation

Preventing a rodent problem before it starts is always the most economical and least stressful approach. By proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities, homeowners can significantly reduce the appeal of their property to mice and rats.

1. Identify early signs of rodent problems

Recognizing indicators early on can allow for prompt action before a minor intrusion escalates into a full-scale infestation. Michael says, “The primary early signs of rodent infestations include unusual noises and droppings, which are substantial indicators that rodents are present in your homes.” 

Search for gnaw marks on food packaging or structures and listen for high-pitched scratching sounds, especially at night.

2. Block entry points

Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior. Seal all openings and air leaks larger than a quarter-inch, as mice can squeeze through incredibly small spaces. Use durable materials like steel wool, hardware cloth, or cement, focusing on areas where utilities enter the home, vents, and foundation cracks.

Michael adds, “Homeowners often overlook these preventative measures until after the infestation has already been established.” Therefore, even if you don’t currently have a rodent problem, you’ll want to integrate these tips.

3. Trim vegetation back from the house

Additionally, he recommends “trimming vegetation back from the house, particularly bushes and dense landscaping that provides cover for rodents to approach structures undetected. Overgrown shrubs, trees, and vines provide cover and direct pathways for rodents to climb onto roofs and access upper levels of the structure. Maintain a clean, several-foot buffer of clear space between your home’s foundation and any landscaping.”

4. Maintain a clean space

Rodents are drawn by accessible food and nesting materials. Store all dry food, including pet food, in sealed, airtight containers. Regularly sweep up crumbs, promptly clean spills, and ensure all trash cans have tight-fitting lids to eliminate potential food sources.

5. Eliminate dripping water sources

Rodents require water for survival. Therefore, Michael suggests eliminating water sources and fixing any leaky pipes, faulty air conditioning units, or clogged gutters that create puddles near your foundation. Removing these easily accessible water sources makes your home less habitable for pests.

4 Tips for treating rodent infestation

If you have already identified signs of rodent activity, a targeted approach is necessary to eliminate the current population. These methods should be implemented cautiously and consistently for the best results.

1. Install store-bought rodent traps

Snap traps and electronic traps are highly effective when placed correctly. Position traps in high-traffic areas where signs of activity (like droppings or runways) are visible. Use high-protein baits like peanut butter or oats, and check the traps daily.

Michael reminds us that “DIY trapping only removes some rodents at a time… if they don’t produce good results within a month, homeowners should contact a professional because rodents can reproduce rapidly.”

2. Use rodenticides cautiously and strategically

While chemical baits can be effective for severe infestations, they must be used with extreme caution to protect children, pets, and non-target wildlife. Always place baits in secured, tamper-proof stations and follow all manufacturer instructions for placement and safety.

3. Sanitize and repair contaminated areas

Once rodents are removed, it is crucial to clean up nesting sites and droppings thoroughly. Rodent waste can transmit diseases, so wear gloves and a mask, and use a bleach or disinfectant solution. Additionally, repair any damaged insulation, wiring, or structural components to remove the evidence of infestation and prevent re-entry.

4. Contact a professional pest control company

For persistent or large-scale infestations, or when dealing with difficult-to-access areas like attics or wall voids, professional pest control is the safest and most reliable option. Experts can confirm the extent of the problem, identify hidden entry points, and implement comprehensive, long-term control measures.

You’re now equipped to work towards preventing rodents this winter

Taking these proactive measures is the most effective way to safeguard your property. Should signs of activity appear, immediate and targeted action, whether through traps or professional intervention, is crucial to ensure thorough eradication. By implementing these strategies, you not only protect the structural integrity and value of your home but also ensure a healthier, pest-free living environment for your family throughout the cold season.