As temperatures drop and winter settles in across Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan, rodents seek warmth, food, and shelter, often within our homes. Winter is a prime time for rodent infestations, making it essential to understand how to keep rodents out of your home this winter.
Why Rodents Are More Common in Winter
Rodents, such as mice and rats, are warm blooded and instinctively seek out warm places to nest during winter. Your home, with its abundance of warmth, food, and nesting sites, becomes an attractive option. Additionally, as families spend more time indoors, the increased activity and food preparation, provide more opportunities for rodents to find what they need.
In Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan, common winter intruders include house mice and Norway rats. House mice are particularly problematic because they can squeeze through tiny openings and reproduce rapidly. Norway rats are larger and often burrow, but can also find their way indoors if conditions are right.
Tips to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home This Winter
Preventing a rodent infestation involves sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and staying vigilant throughout the winter months. Here’s how you can keep rodents out of your home this winter:
- Seal Entry Points: Rodents can enter your home through the tiniest openings. Inspect your home’s exterior, focusing on gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines. Use caulk or steel wool to seal small cracks, and install weather stripping to close gaps under doors. Ensure that vents are covered with fine mesh.
- Store Food Properly: Rodents are always on the hunt for food. Store pantry items in airtight containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Be mindful of crumbs, especially in areas like the kitchen and dining room.
- Maintain Cleanliness: A clean home is less attractive to rodents. Regularly clean floors, counters, and other surfaces to remove food residues. Don’t forget to clean under appliances and in other hard to reach places where crumbs may go unnoticed.
- Remove Outdoor Attractants: Your yard can attract rodents if it provides food or shelter. Keep firewood stacked away from your home and elevate it off the ground. Dispose of fallen fruits and nuts, and keep garbage cans tightly sealed. Trim back vegetation that may provide cover for rodents and clear up any leaf piles that offer a great hiding place.
- Monitor for Signs of Rodents: Even with preventive measures, it’s important to stay alert for signs of rodents, such as droppings, gnaw marks, and scratching sounds. Early detection can help you address a potential problem before it becomes an infestation.
- Call a Professional: If you suspect a rodent infestation, contact a professional pest control service. They have the expertise and tools to eliminate the problem effectively and safely.
Winter is the season when rodents are most likely to seek refuge in your home, but by taking proactive steps, you can keep rodents out of your home this winter. Sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and monitoring for signs of activity are all essential components of a rodent prevention strategy. If you do find yourself dealing with a rodent problem, Delving Pest Control is here to help. We offer discreet, effective residential pest control services to keep your home rodent free throughout the year. Contact us today for all of your pest control needs.
