BackAre Winter Rodents Getting Into Your Home?
Here’s What to Do
We’re well into winter here in Georgia, and some homeowners have experienced unwelcome visitors—rodents. Squirrels, chipmunks, rats, mice, and other overwintering pests enter homes through cracks and gaps during winter as they search for food and warmth.
Some of these winter rodents may seem cute and fuzzy, but they can wreak havoc on your home and pose serious health risks. In this blog, we explore why overwintering pests seek refuge indoors and what you can do to keep them out.
Why Rodents Invade Homes in Winter
The search for warmth, food, and shelter from the elements motivates rodents like mice, squirrels, and rats. As temperatures drop, these animals instinctively search for cozy, safe places to nest. Unfortunately, our homes can often become primary targets.
Signs of Rodents in Your Home
Identifying the presence of rodents is key to preventing further damage to your home and health. If you notice any of the following signs of rodent infestation, it’s time to take action:
What’s the Danger of Wildlife in Your Home?
People with unwanted wildlife inside their homes face numerous problems:
- Property damage: Rodents and wildlife can damage your home’s structure, insulation, wiring, and other components. They can chew through walls, ceilings, and cables, leading to costly repairs.
- Health risks: Wildlife can carry diseases that may be transmitted to humans or pets. Droppings, urine, and saliva can harbor harmful pathogens, posing health risks to inhabitants. Some diseases associated with wildlife include rabies, hantavirus, and leptospirosis.
- Safety concerns: Certain wildlife, like rodents and bats, carry parasites like ticks and fleas, increasing your risk of bites and infestations. And some animals can even become aggressive if they feel threatened.
- Noise and disturbances: Rodent activities like scratching, digging, and nesting can create noise disturbances that impact the comfort, well-being, and sleep patterns of you and your family.
- Contamination: Rodents contaminate indoor spaces with droppings, urine, and nesting materials, which lower your home’s air quality and contribute to unpleasant odors.
- Fire hazards: Gnawing on electrical wires by rodents can lead to electrical malfunctions and increase the risk of fires within the home.
- Insect infections: Rodents attract insects and parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. These can go on to infest your home, causing additional problems and requiring additional pest control measures.
- Allergies: Wildlife and their droppings can trigger allergies in some people. Allergic reactions include respiratory issues, skin irritation, or other symptoms.
Removing Winter Rodents from Your Home
While there are at-home methods to contain and remove animals like mice, squirrels, and rats, the best option is always to contact a professional wildlife removal company.
- Set traps: If you’ve already noticed signs of rodents, setting traps can help control the infestation. Choose humane traps or traditional snap traps, depending on your preferences. Check traps regularly and release or dispose of captured rodents promptly.
- Call Bug House: The easiest and fastest way to remove rodents is by calling Bug House. Our wildlife removal specialists are professionally trained to handle and resolve issues related to unwanted wildlife, prioritize humane and ethical methods, and comply with local regulations and laws related to wildlife removal.
Preventing Winter Rodents from Entering Your Home
Once you deal with the initial rodent problem, here are some tips for preventing them in the future:
- Seal entry points: Sealing potential entry points is one effective way to keep rodents at bay. Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and openings, paying close attention to areas around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these gaps and prevent easy access for rodents.
- Keep a tidy home: Pests and rodents are attracted to food sources, so maintaining a clean and tidy living space is essential. Store food in airtight containers, promptly clean up crumbs, and avoid leaving out pet food overnight.
- Use natural deterrents: Consider using natural deterrents to discourage rodents from entering your home. Peppermint oil, for example, is known to repel mice. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where rodents may enter. Additionally, cats are natural hunters and can act as a deterrent, so if you’re a pet lover, their presence alone can help keep rodents away.
Bug House is Your Wildlife Removal Partner
Winter rodent invasions are challenging, but with support from Bug House’s wildlife removal team and your preventive measures, you can keep these pests out of your home for good through the winter and the rest of the year. Remember, early detection and action are key to minimizing the negative impact of rodent intruders in your living space.
Contact Bug House today to schedule your wildlife removal service. We proudly serve customers throughout Georgia in Augusta, Carrollton, Columbus, Dublin, Eastman, Forsyth, Lake Oconee, Macon, Madison, McDonough, Milledgeville, Monroe, Sandersville, Savannah, St. Simons, Warner Robins, and Watkinsville.
