Back

October 13, 2025Rodents

How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Georgia Home This October

As the crisp October air settles over Georgia, we all look forward to cozy evenings and autumn festivities. But we aren’t the only ones searching for warmth and comfort. As temperatures drop, mice and rats start looking for a new place to call home, and your house in Milledgeville might be at the top of their list. You shouldn’t have to worry about unwanted houseguests scurrying in your walls or pantry. The good news is that with a little proactive work, you can make your home much less inviting. Let’s talk about rodent prevention in Georgia and how you can keep your home a critter-free zone this fall.

Why Rodents Invade Georgia Homes in October

Fall is the peak season for rodent invasions. As their natural food sources become scarce outdoors, mice and rats begin their search for reliable shelter and a steady supply of food to survive the winter. Your home provides everything they need: warmth, protection from predators, and easy access to crumbs and stored goods.

A single mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, and a rat only needs a gap the size of a quarter. They are resourceful intruders, which is why sealing up your home is the first and most important step in any rodent prevention plan.

The Hidden Dangers of a Rodent Infestation

It’s easy to dismiss a mouse or two as a minor nuisance, but a rodent problem can quickly become a serious issue for your family and your property. These furry pests are more than just an inconvenience; they pose significant risks.

Serious Property Damage

Rodents have teeth that never stop growing, which means they have a constant urge to gnaw on things to keep them filed down. Unfortunately, the materials in your home are prime targets. They can chew through:

• Electrical Wires: This is a major fire hazard. Frayed or exposed wiring caused by rodents is a leading cause of house fires.
• Insulation: Rodents will tear up attic and wall insulation to create nests, which can reduce your home’s energy efficiency and lead to higher heating bills.
• Wood and Drywall: They can damage the structural integrity of your home by gnawing through support beams, studs, and drywall.
• Pipes: Chewing on PVC or other plumbing pipes can lead to leaks and significant water damage.

Health and Protection Concerns

What’s even more worrying are the health risks rodents bring with them. They are known carriers of various diseases, bacteria, and parasites that can put your family’s health at risk.

Rodents can spread illnesses like Salmonella and Hantavirus through their droppings, urine, and saliva. They can contaminate your food preparation surfaces, pantries, and anywhere else they travel.

And here’s something else you might not think about: rodents don’t travel alone. They often carry other pests with them, like fleas and ticks. A rodent infestation could lead to a secondary infestation of these biting pests, which bring their own set of health concerns, including Lyme disease. Because you don’t want to worry about who (or WHAT) you’ll find in your home, it’s best to keep rodents out from the start.

Your Action Plan for Rodent Prevention in Georgia

Ready to protect your Milledgeville home? Here are practical, effective steps you can take right now to keep mice and rats from moving in this October.

1. Seal Up Your Home Completely

Think like a mouse! Inspect the entire exterior of your home, from the foundation to the roofline, looking for any potential entry points.

• Check the Foundation: Look for cracks and holes and seal them with caulk or concrete patch.
• Inspect Siding and Vents: Pay close attention to where utility pipes, cables, and vents enter your home. Use steel wool (which rodents can’t chew through) and caulk to fill these gaps.
• Secure Doors and Windows: Install weather stripping on the bottom of doors and ensure window screens are in good repair.
• Cap Your Chimney: A chimney cap not only keeps rodents out but also prevents other wildlife like squirrels and birds from nesting inside.

2. Eliminate Food and Water Sources

Rodents are drawn to easy meals. By making your home less appetizing, you make it less attractive.

• Store Food Securely: Keep all food, including pet food and birdseed, in airtight containers made of glass or hard plastic.
• Clean Up Promptly: Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and clean up spills immediately.
• Secure Trash Cans: Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids both inside and outside your home. Keep outdoor bins as far from your house as possible.
• Fix Leaks: Repair any leaky faucets, pipes, or drains. Rodents need water, so eliminating sources of moisture can help deter them.

3. Make Your Yard Less Inviting

Your yard can act as a staging ground for pests looking to get inside. A little landscaping maintenance goes a long way.

• Trim Vegetation: Cut back tree branches and shrubs so they don’t touch your house. Rodents can use these as a bridge to access your roof and siding.
• Clear Debris: Remove piles of leaves, wood, and other debris where rodents might hide or nest.
• Store Firewood Properly: If you have a woodpile, keep it at least 20 feet away from your home and store it on a raised platform.

When to Call for Professional Help

Sometimes, even with the best prevention efforts, a determined rodent finds its way inside. If you see signs of an infestation—like droppings, gnaw marks, or hear scratching in the walls—it’s time to call in the rodent control professionals.

Don’t let rodents ruin your autumn. We’ve been helping Georgia homeowners for decades, and we’re here to help you, too. Get in touch today for an inspection and enjoy a pest-free home all season long.