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November 12, 2025Rodents

Rodents in Georgia: Why November Is the Busiest Month for Rats and Mice Indoors

As November arrives in Georgia, we start to feel that welcome chill in the air. It’s the perfect time to get cozy indoors with a warm blanket and a hot drink. But guess what? You’re not the only one with that idea. Rodents like rats and mice are thinking the exact same thing, and they see your home as the perfect winter getaway. November is a peak month for rodent infestations, and it’s not just a coincidence. There are specific reasons why these critters decide to move in with you this time of year. You shouldn’t have to share your home with unwanted pests, so let’s talk about why they’re showing up now and what you can do to keep them out.

Why Rodents Rush Indoors in November

Understanding why rats and mice are suddenly appearing helps you get one step ahead of them. It all comes down to their basic survival needs: food, water, and shelter.

The Temperature Drop

This is the biggest motivator. Rodents are warm-blooded mammals that can’t stand the cold. As outdoor temperatures drop consistently in November, they begin an urgent search for a warm, insulated place to nest and survive the winter. Your walls, attic, and crawl space are prime real estate.

Dwindling Food Sources

The fall harvest is over, and natural food sources like seeds, nuts, and plants are becoming scarce. Your home, on the other hand, is a treasure trove of goodies. A few crumbs on the floor, an open bag of pet food, or a trash can with a loose lid is a full-course meal for a hungry rodent.

Preparing for Winter Nesting

November is also when rodents look for a place to breed and raise their young in a protected environment. They will chew through materials like insulation, cardboard, and drywall to create soft, warm nests for the winter season.

The Problem with Rodent Roommates

It might seem like one or two little mice aren’t a big deal, but rodent infestations can escalate quickly and create significant issues for your home and family.

Property Damage

Rodents have teeth that never stop growing, which means they chew constantly to keep them filed down. They will gnaw on almost anything, including wooden beams, furniture, and plastic pipes. Most critically, they chew on electrical wiring, which can create a serious fire hazard.

Health Concerns

Rats and mice are not clean animals. They can carry and transmit various diseases and contaminate your living spaces with their droppings and urine. Their presence can also trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. Because you don’t want to worry about who (or WHAT) you’ll find in your home.

How to Make Your Home Less Inviting

Ready to put out the “No Vacancy” sign for rodents? Here are some simple but effective steps you can take to protect your Georgia home this November.

• Seal All Entry Points: This is your best line of defense. Carefully inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks, holes, or gaps. A mouse can fit through an opening the size of a dime! Use steel wool (which they can’t chew through) and caulk to seal up any potential entrances around pipes, vents, and your foundation.
• Keep Your Kitchen Clean: Don’t give them a reason to stay. Store all food, including pet food, in airtight, hard plastic or metal containers. Wipe up spills and crumbs immediately, and never leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
• Secure Your Trash: Make sure all indoor and outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids. An open buffet is an open invitation.
• Tidy Up the Yard: Your yard can act as a launching pad for rodents. Keep firewood stacked at least 20 feet away from the house, trim back overgrown shrubs, and clear away any leaf piles or debris that could serve as a hiding spot.

Taking these preventative measures can significantly reduce the chances of rodents choosing your home for their winter retreat.

If you’re already spotting signs of rodent activity—like droppings, gnaw marks, or scratching sounds in the walls—it’s best to act fast. Contact a rodent control professional for a thorough inspection and an effective plan to eliminate rodent infestations and get your home back to being just for you and your family.