The most effective defense is prevention, which focuses on sealing entry points and eliminating attractants. With cold weather reducing external resources, rodents seek warmth and food indoors. If an infestation occurs, a combination of trapping, targeted treatment, and professional assistance will ensure thorough eradication.
As the temperature drops, the comfort of a warm home becomes attractive not only to you, but also to many unwelcome guests. Rodents, including mice and rats, pose a significant risk to property owners by damaging buildings and spreading disease. If you’re considering selling a home in Montpelier, Vermont or Sioux Falls, South Dakota, or looking for insight to reduce the risk of these rodents, this Redfin guide provides important and actionable strategies to help you prepare for winter.
Understand why rodents become more active during the cold season
The rodents are opportunistic survivors and will likely move indoors during colder months, said Michael Cernese, vice president of Richland Pest and Bee Management. Michael said this move indoors is due to “the scarcity of outdoor food resources.” Their main goal during the cold season is to ensure two things: a steady supply of food and a reliable source of heat.
According to Pest Control Technology (PCT), states most affected by rodents include Vermont, South Dakota, and North Dakota. But it’s not just these cold climate areas that are affected by rodents, as PCT notes, “According to the U.S. Housing Survey, 11.6% of households nationwide report problems each year.”
As natural food sources become scarce and outdoor shelters become harsher, your home becomes an attractive haven. Even small entry points, such as gaps around utility lines or cracks in the foundation, can allow these pests to nest, breed, and damage the structure of your walls and attic. Understanding this behavioral change in rodents is the first step to effective winter prevention.
5 tips to prevent rodent infestation
Preventing rodent problems before they occur is always the most economical and least stressful approach. Homeowners can significantly reduce the attractiveness of their properties to mice and rats by proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities.
1. Identify early signs of rodent problems
Early recognition of the signs allows for rapid response before a minor infestation escalates into a full-blown infestation. Michael says, “The main early signs of a rodent infestation include unusual noises and droppings. These are important indicators that rodents are present in your home.”
Look for gnaw marks on food packaging and structures, especially at night, and listen for high-pitched scratching sounds.
2. Block entry points
Thoroughly inspect the exterior of your home. Mice can fit through incredibly narrow gaps, so seal all openings and air leaks larger than a quarter inch. Focus on utility areas, vents, and foundation cracks in your home and use durable materials such as steel wool, hardware cloth, and cement.
Michael added, “Homeowners often overlook these precautions until the infestation is already established.” So even if you don’t currently have a rodent problem, it’s a good idea to integrate these tips.
3. Cut plants from your house
Additionally, he says, “Trim back vegetation from the house, especially bushes and dense landscaping, which provide cover for rodents to access the structure unnoticed. Lush shrubs, trees, and vines provide cover and a direct path for rodents to climb onto the roof or access the upper levels of the structure. Maintain several feet of clean, clear space between the home’s foundation and the landscaping.”
4. Maintain a clean space
Rodents are attracted to available food and nesting materials. Store all dry foods, including pet food, in sealed, airtight containers. Eliminate potential food sources by sweeping up crumbs regularly, cleaning up spills immediately, and making sure all trash can lids are tightly closed.
5. Eliminate drip water sources
Rodents need water to survive. Therefore, Michael suggests eliminating the water source and repairing leaky pipes, faulty air conditioning units, or clogged gutters that create puddles near the foundation. Removing these easily accessible water sources will make your home less welcoming to pests.
4 Tips for Treating Rodent Infestations
If you have already identified signs of rodent activity, a targeted approach is required to eliminate the current population. These methods must be implemented carefully and consistently for best results.
1. Set up a commercially available mousetrap
Snap traps and electronic traps are very effective when installed correctly. Place traps in high-traffic areas where signs of activity (such as droppings or runways) are visible. Use high protein baits such as peanut butter or oats and check the traps daily.
Michael reminds us that “DIY traps can only get rid of a few rodents at a time…Rodents reproduce quickly, so if you don’t see good results within a month, homeowners should contact a professional.”
2. Use rodenticides carefully and strategically.
Chemical baits are effective for severe infestations, but should be used with extreme caution to protect children, pets, and non-target wildlife. Always place bait in a secure, tamper-proof station and follow all manufacturer instructions regarding placement and safety.
3. Disinfect and remediate contaminated areas
Once the rodents have been removed, it is important to thoroughly clean the nesting area and droppings. Rodent waste can transmit disease, so wear gloves and a mask, and use bleach or disinfectant. Additionally, we repair damaged insulation, wiring, or structural components to remove any evidence of intrusion and prevent re-intrusion.
4. Contact a professional exterminator
In cases of persistent or large-scale infestations, or when dealing with difficult-to-access areas such as attics or wall voids, professional pest control is the safest and most reliable option. Experts can confirm the scope of the problem, identify hidden points of entry, and take comprehensive, long-term control measures.
Now you’re ready to tackle rodent prevention this winter
Taking these proactive steps is the most effective way to protect your property. When signs of activity appear, immediate and targeted action, whether through traps or professional intervention, is critical to ensuring complete eradication. By implementing these strategies, you will not only protect the structural integrity and value of your home, but you will also ensure a healthier, pest-free living environment for your family through the colder months.
