Winter is a season when many people spend more time indoors, hiding away from the cold temperatures outside. This is also true for many pests as well! Cold weather often pushes animals like bats, possums, squirrels and mice to search for a warmer space to call home. Like it or not, your home is often one of the first places they look because of how well it fits the bill!

Top reasons rodents are drawn to your home

There are many reasons that rodents like mice and rats will enter your home this winter. Because they are mammals, rodents need to maintain their body temperature in order to survive. This combined with the limited food sources available outside mean that your home might be a prime target for pests of all kinds.

Some of the things that can attract rodents to your home in the winter include:

  • A debris filled backyard such as one with woodpiles, overgrown shrubs or trees, piles of leaves and other kinds of debris that can provide shelter for rodents.
  • Messes in and around your home that don’t get cleaned up fast enough.
  • Access to food and water sources, such as pet food dishes, uncovered garbage bins and unsealed food containers.
  • Easy access into your home.

At Halton Wildlife, we help residents and businesses in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and areas deal with rodent issues.  Yes, we’re also rodent pest control experts and offer lower cost pest control in Halton Region!

Preventing entry is the key to rodent free living

Although there are simple processes to follow in order to remove a rodent infestation from your home, it is always much easier to prevent them from getting into and becoming comfortable in your home. There are several steps that you can take that will decrease the likelihood that rodents will be tempted into your home this winter, including:

Keep your yard clean and tidy

Piles of leaves, unkempt bushes & trees and stacks of firewood around the foundation of your home can offer the perfect opportunities for rodents to hide while searching for an opening to get into your home. In addition, branches that overhang the roof can be a way for rodents to get into your attic. Keeping these to a minimum while also trimming weeds, keeping the lawn cut and maintaining your property can help keep rodents at bay.

Weather proof your home

If you live in an area that has fairly drastic temperature changes from one season to the next, your home may be susceptible to weather related issues like cracks around windows and doors, worn out weather stripping and cracked caulking. These weak points can be the perfect way for a rodent to gain access to your home.

Hide the food

Clean up any potential food sources both inside and outside your home. Pet food, crumbs on the counter, food fallen under the fridge, unlidded garbage bins, unprotected compost piles and unsealed pantry containers can all draw in rodents.

Seal up any possible entry points

Rodents are extremely good at squeezing into tiny entrance holes, so one of the best ways to prevent their entry is to ensure all entrance holes are sealed off. Inspect window screens, sewage pipes, exterior vents and chimney caps for holes ¼ inch wide or larger and seal them off using mesh and caulk.

Set a trap

Whether you know you have a rodent problem or just want to take preventative steps, setting up a few traps in potentially popular areas and making use of rodent repellants can help keep your home clear of pests.

It be time to call in rodent control professionals

If you discover that you have a rodent problem, you might need to call in back up. Rodents enter your home in search of warmth, food and safety, and if they find ready sources of these things and decide to nest, a small problem can become a big infestation very quickly. If this is the case you may want to contact a professional pest removal company for support.