Rodents in Winter: Why They Move In and How to Stop Them

As winter approaches, you may be thinking about hot chocolate, winter hikes, and cozy nights by the fire. Meanwhile, rodents living nearby are already making plans on how to turn your home into their warm hideaway. 

As temperatures drop, both mice and rats start looking for shelter, food, and warmth. And, if your home ticks all three boxes, then guess who’s moving in? This blog will walk you through why they move in during the colder months, and what actions you can take now, including when to call a mouse exterminator or rat exterminator.

Quick Links:

• Why Rodents Follow the Heat
• The Real Risks of Rodents Crashing With You
• Early Signs You Might Have Unwanted Winter Roommates
• How to Get Rid of Mice (and Rats too)
• Why Canadians Trust Orkin Canada to Handle Winter Rodents

Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Why Rodents Follow the Heat

When outdoor temperatures fall, rodents like mice and rats start seeking warm, safe conditions. Unfortunately, your home gives them these conditions:

Warmth

Furnaces, appliances, attic insulation, and heated rooms make great harbourage and nesting sites.

Entry points

Small cracks, gaps, vents and foundation openings provide entry and access points. For example, a rat can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter, and a mouse can get in through an opening the size of your pinky.

Food and water 

Even crumbs, pet food left out, or a poorly sealed garbage bag invite rodents in. Once inside, they can stay for the season and multiply fast.

Seasonal disruptions

If you live near any construction, it can disturb outdoor rodent nesting sites. And when their home is disrupted, that’s when your home becomes more appealing.

See Also: Tips To Get Rid Of Mice In The Attic

The Real Risks of Rodents Crashing With You

Living with rodents is more than an inconvenience. There are genuine concerns about health and property damage. Here’s what’s at stake:

Health risks

Rodents can transmit various diseases through their droppings, urine, and saliva. These include leptospirosis, hantavirus and salmonellosis. Even low levels of contamination in  food, food prep surfaces, counters or utensils can pose serious health hazards. Not only that, but rodents also carry ectoparasites such as ticks, mites, and fleas, which can also transmit diseases to both humans and pets.

Property damage

Rats and mice gnaw through wires, insulation, walls and even structural components. Chewing is part of their biology, so once inside, they will keep gnawing to keep their teeth trimmed, causing significant damage. Damage to electrical wiring can cause short circuits, resulting in fires; damage to cable wiring can disrupt internet and phone services. 

Rapid population growth

These guys are extremely efficient at procreating. Without proper control, a single pair of mice can produce up to 200 offspring in about four months. That means even a few can quickly turn into a major infestation.

Eviction delays

Time is ticking. If you try to DIY without proper tools or know-how, you may end up delaying getting rid of them entirely. That’s where a professional mouse exterminator or rat exterminator comes in. An Orkin Pro^TM can step in and help with effective long-term control, not just traps.

Early Signs You Might Have Unwanted Winter Roommates

Rodents are great at hiding during the day, so you might not see them right away. Here is what to look for: 

• Droppings in cupboards, under sinks or along baseboards, under furniture 
• Scratching or movement noises in walls or ceilings
• Shredded paper, insulation or fabric used for nesting
• Gnaw marks on food packaging or wiring
• A noticeable musty or ammonia-like smell

If you spot even one of these signs, it’s time to call the pros.

See Also: Are There Mice In Your Walls Or Ceiling?

How to Get Rid of Mice (and Rats too)

Here are practical steps you can take today:

1. Seal entry points. Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks, crevices, utility entry points, unscreened vents, foundation gaps, and poorly fitting or worn-out door seals. Use rodent-resistant caulk or sealant and reinforce with steel wool.
   
2. Put food away and keep it sealed. Store pantry items in sealed containers. Don’t leave pet food or water out overnight. Keep garbage cans covered, and clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
   
3. Keep it clean and clutter-free. Rodents love cluttered, quiet spaces like basements, attics, and storage rooms. Keep these areas tidy, well-lit and accessible.
   
4. Monitor for signs of activity. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, shredded packing material, or nests. If you spot these signs, act quickly.
   
5. Call your local Orkin Pro if the issue becomes more than you can manage. If you’ve tried the basics and still have rodent activity, it’s time to bring in a qualified mouse exterminator or rat exterminator. We’ll assess the situation, tailor a treatment plan for your unique situation, and help you prevent a future issue. 

Why Canadians Trust Orkin Canada to Handle Winter Rodents

At Orkin Canada, we use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that focuses on inspection, exclusion, sanitation and monitoring. Whether you need help identifying how rodents are getting in or would like to set up a long-term plan to keep your home rodent-free, we’re here to support you.

Don’t let the winter season turn into an unexpected rodent residency

With a bit of preparation and vigilance, you can keep your home rodent-free. If you’re unsure or suspect an infestation, contact us, and your local Orkin Pro will help you get your home back in order. And, you can go back to enjoying that hot chocolate by the fire in peace.