Are you tired of hearing the scurrying of tiny feet in your walls and finding droppings in your pantry? As the temperature drops, so does the likelihood of a rodent infestation in your home.

As a pest control expert, I have seen my fair share of mouse and rat infestations, but they seem to happen more often during the winter months. The colder weather forces these pests to search for a warm and cozy place to call home, and unfortunately, your house can be the perfect spot. In this article, I will discuss why winter is peak season for mouse and rat infestations, what I did to get rid of two recent infestations I encountered, and what homeowners can do to prevent these pests from taking over their home.

Why Winter is the Perfect Time for Rodent Infestations

As the temperature drops, rodents search for a warm and dry place to call home, and your house can provide just that. They look for spaces in walls, attics, and basements to make their nests, where they can live and breed undisturbed. Additionally, the abundance of food and water sources in your home make it an attractive location for rodents. With the holidays coming up, an abundance of food, and an increase in waste, rodents have plenty of opportunities to feast.

Getting Rid of a Mouse Infestation

One of the homes I recently encountered had a mouse infestation. To get rid of the mice, I started by sealing off all entry points to the home, including cracks and gaps in walls, foundations, and roofs. I also installed mouse traps and bait stations to capture and eliminate the mice. Finally, I conducted a thorough cleaning of the home to remove any droppings, nests, and food sources that could attract more mice.

Getting Rid of a Rat Infestation

Another home I encountered had a rat infestation, which required a more aggressive approach. In addition to sealing off entry points, I used rat traps and bait stations to capture and eliminate the rats. I also implemented a regular sanitation schedule to keep food sources out of reach and remove any attractants. Finally, I performed an extermination treatment using professional-grade pesticides to eliminate the rats.

Preventing Mouse Infestations

Homeowners can take several steps to prevent mouse infestations from happening in the first place. Firstly, sealing off all entry points to your home, including cracks and gaps in walls, foundations, and roofs, is essential. Secondly, regularly cleaning your home and removing any food sources, such as crumbs and open food packages, can prevent mice from setting up camp in your home. Finally, installing mouse traps and bait stations can capture and eliminate any mice that make it inside.

Preventing Rat Infestations

Preventing rat infestations is similar to preventing mouse infestations, with a few added steps. In addition to sealing off entry points and regularly cleaning your home, it’s important to secure food sources, such as pet food and birdseed, to prevent attracting rats. Keeping your property free of clutter and debris, such as piles of wood or compost, can also help to prevent rats from setting up camp. Finally, using rat traps and bait stations, as well as professional extermination treatments if necessary, can eliminate any rats that do make it inside.

Conclusion