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Chilly temperatures can send rodents scurrying indoors for refuge. Every year, winter rodents enter over 21 million homes, creating rodent problems for homeowners across the country. You might not notice an infestation until it gets bad. Taking a few proactive steps now can help with rodent prevention and keep your house off their vacation list this winter.
Why do rodents invade homes during winter?
Rodents invade homes during winter for one main reason: survival. As temperatures drop and outdoor food sources disappear, your home becomes the perfect warm, reliable shelter.
According to one study, rodent activity peaks from August through February. North Carolina’s mild climate can keep winter rodents active longer than in colder regions. This can make winter pest control especially important for local homeowners.
There are three main reasons rodents invade homes:
- Temperature: Mice and rats can’t tolerate long stretches of cold exposure. Homes offer steady heat, especially inside walls, attics, crawl spaces and insulation.
- Food: Winter limits outdoor staples such as seeds and insects, so rodents look for dependable meals inside. Their prime targets are the pantry, under appliances and inside garbage cans.
- Shelter: Homes give easy access to nesting materials like cardboard and insulation. They also offer safe places to hide from predators.
Rodents can spread diseases and damage your property. They can chew through wires, pipes and damage insulation. Effective winter rodent control helps reduce the risk of a long-term pest problem.
Common winter rodents in North Carolina.
Extreme temperature swings and harsh winter weather have led to increased rodent activity across the U.S., particularly in urban areas, according to the National Pest Management Association.
For homeowners dealing with winter rodents in NC, these are the most common culprits:
● House Mice
● Roof Rats
● Norway Rats
● Gray Squirrels
● Voles
Signs you may have a rodent problem.
Rodents don’t need much space to get inside. Mice can fit through dime-sized holes, making early detection difficult. Keeping an eye out for warning signs can help prevent a small issues from turning into a full rodent infestation.
Here’s what to check for regularly:
- Droppings: Mice produce 50 – 75 droppings per day. Look near walls, cabinets, and under sinks.
- Scratching or scurrying sounds: Noises in walls or attics at night often point to rodent activity.
- Gnaw marks: Rodents chew through packaging, wires, wood, and other materials.
- Grease marks: Dark smudges along baseboards or floors can be left behind by oily fur.
- Nesting: Shredded paper, insulation, or fabric inside wall cavities is a common sign.
How to rodent-proof your home for winter.
If you notice signs of rodents, it’s important to act quickly. While some steps can be handled on your own, ongoing rodent problems often require professional help. Terminix Triad offers professional rodent control solutions throughout the Piedmont region, delivered by pest control experts who understand local rodent behavior.
In the meantime, these rodent prevention steps can help make your home less inviting.
Seal exterior entry points.
Inspect the foundation, siding, vents, rooflines, and pipe penetrations. Seal gaps larger than 1/4 inch using hardware cloth, copper mesh, sheet metal, or steel wool.
Fill gaps in doors and windows.
Install weatherstripping and door sweeps on exterior and garage doors, window, and crawlspace entries. This supports both winter pest control and improved energy efficiency.
Reduce indoor food sources.
Store pantry items and pet food in sealed containers. Clean under appliances where crumbs collect, and keep trash cans tightly closed.
Declutter interior spaces.
Clutter creates ideal nesting areas. Organize basements, garages, attics, and storage closets. Use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids and remove unused cardboard boxes.
Manage firewood.
Firewood piles offer warmth and shelter for rodents. Stack firewood at least 18 inches off the ground and away from your home.
Maintain landscaping.
Overgrown lawns, shrubs, and leaf piles provide cover for rodents. Trim vegetation back from your foundation and rooflines to limit access.
Inspect after storms.
Storm damage can create new entry points. Inspect your roof and siding after severe weather make repairs promptly.
How Terminix Triad helps with winter rodent control.
If rodent activity keeps returning or you suspect an attic or crawlspace infestation, it may be time to call a professional pest control company. Effective residential pest control requires more than traps — it takes a plan that addresses entry points and long-term prevention.
Terminix Triad delivers professional rodent control backed by over 90 years of experience. Our pest control experts begin with a comprehensive inspection, identify how rodents are entering, and provide exclusion and sealing services designed to help prevent future infestations.
To address your winter rodent concerns, request a free quote from Terminix Triad today.
Call now
(877) 372-9696
(877) 372-9696
or request your free quote
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