Fall Rodent-Proofing: Keep Mice Out Before Winter

Every fall, as the weather cools, mice and rats start searching for a warm, sheltered place to spend the winter. Unfortunately, your home is the perfect candidate. The good news: a little rodent-proofing now can save you a full-blown infestation later.

How Rodents Get In

Mice can squeeze through a gap the size of a dime, and rats through one the size of a quarter. Common entry points include:

• Gaps around utility lines, pipes, and vents
• Damaged weatherstripping under garage and exterior doors
• Cracks in the foundation
• Openings where the roofline meets the walls

Signs You Already Have a Problem

• Droppings in cabinets, drawers, or along walls
• Gnaw marks on food packaging or wiring
• Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls and ceilings at night
• A musty odor in enclosed spaces

Your Fall Rodent-Proofing Checklist

1. Seal entry points with steel wool and caulk — rodents can't chew through steel wool.
2. Store food (including pet food and birdseed) in airtight containers.
3. Declutter garages, attics, and basements to remove nesting sites.
4. Trim branches away from the roofline so rodents can't climb in.
5. Keep firewood stacked away from the house.
6. Fix moisture issues — rodents need water, too.

Why Exclusion Matters More Than Traps

Traps deal with the rodents already inside, but they don't stop new ones from following the same path in. Lasting control comes from exclusion — finding and sealing every entry point. That's exactly where a professional inspection pays off.

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Don't wait for the scratching in the walls. Schedule a free inspection and we'll seal your home up tight before winter.