Summer is officially over, and with the cooler temperatures outside, you might think that you don’t have to worry as much about pest infestations. But, that’s not entirely true. Why? Because even though insects might be slowing down in the colder air, the winter months can still bring rodents into your home.
Remember, as cozy and comfortable as your house may feel to you, it feels the same way for the rodents trying to get in, as well. But which kinds of rodents might try to get in the inside of your house?
Winter Rodents
If you happen to find a rodent in your house at some point during this winter, then most likely it’s going to be one of the typical rodents you might find outside during the rest of the year. There aren’t really “winter” rodents that hide out all summer long and then come out when it gets cold; it’s just that rodents like those that stay outside during the rest of the year are more likely to try and come inside now that the temperature has dropped.
With this in mind, if you encounter any rodent, it will probably be your every day garden-variety rat. Rats can be scary to encounter and they often look mean or filthy, but in reality all they really want to do is be left alone as they go about looking for food and a cozy, dark place to sleep. Of course, the probability of encountering smaller rodents like mice is very high. And if it gets cold enough, there’s a chance you’ll find rodents you typically don’t have to worry about trying to get in, such as squirrels.
How To Prevent Winter Rodents
If thinking about something like this happening to you turns your stomach inside out, then you should know that there are some things you can do to lower the chances of having an encounter like this.
First, try and make it impossible for rodents to get in. They are very good at finding small cracks and crevices to squeeze through, so you have to find those openings first and seal them off. Even if you think your home is closed off and tight as a drum, you’d be surprised at how many points of entry there actually are. Rodents are great at finding all these little openings. Find them, and deal with them.
Second, keep your home clean and clutter-free. This isn’t only about food crumbs or anything similar, although of course that’s a big part of it. Rodents can survive off of organic materials like cardboard just as easily, and they love to chew through just about anything, including wires and cables. Spend time going through your entire house and getting rid of any sort of substance that rodents might be able to find and use as a food source.
Finally, get professional help. No matter how thorough of a detailed job you believe you did, having the eye of a trained expert is really the best preventative measure you can do.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us at Midwestern Termite and Pest Control Today!
