Are You Ready For Winter? Don’t Forget To Check For Rodents!
Winter is approaching fast! Every homeowner has their own checklist of things to do to prepare for the coldest months of the year. Some make sure their pile of firewood is restocked and ready to go. Others cut back their landscaping as their gardens die off. Some simply close the windows that have been open through the fall. And others ignore all the boring stuff and instead jump right to decorating for the holidays.
Whatever your winter preparedness routine is, however simple or extensive, if you haven’t included preparing for a rodent infestation, you should! Rodents are a significant problem for Hampton Roads homeowners in the winter. Learning why it’s important to check for rodents around your house as winter arrives and what you can do to ensure they don’t get into your home this season can save you time, frustration, and money.
Why should winter readiness include checking for rodents?
Mice and rats, particularly roof rats, are always active in our region, but there is one time of year when we see a surge in rodent infestations. That time of year is in the fall and early winter. It makes sense when you think about it.
Just as you prepare for winter in various ways, rodents do as well. They have basic needs that dictate their actions. In the summer, their ability to locate food, water, and warm shelter is easily accomplished outdoors. However, as the weather gets colder, finding the things they need to survive becomes harder.
Food supplies start to shrivel when plants stop growing, water supplies dwindle, especially if there is a freeze, and the nest that was just fine all summer suddenly becomes a lot colder when the temperature drops to the 30s and 40s.
When conditions deteriorate outside, mice and rats' survival instincts kick in, and they seek shelter in a warm place that provides food and water. That is why homeowners often find themselves dealing with a rodent infestation in the winter. Inhabited houses are the perfect place for rodents not just to survive but also to thrive.
The risks associated with rodent infestations
Keeping rodents out of your home is essential for protecting your family’s health, property, and peace of mind. Mice and rats can cause significant problems, including:
- Health risks
Rodents are carriers of hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella, which can spread through their droppings, urine, and saliva. They can also introduce parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites into your home. - Structural damage
Rodents chew constantly to keep their teeth from growing too long. This behavior leads to gnawed electrical wires (posing fire hazards), damaged insulation, and holes in walls and flooring. They can also destroy stored items like clothing, books, and furniture. - Food contamination
Rodents are notorious for raiding pantries and food supplies, contaminating food with droppings, urine, or fur. This can lead to wasted food and potential illness for you and your family. - Rapid infestations
Rodents reproduce quickly, turning a minor problem into a full-blown infestation in a short time. - General nuisance
Beyond physical damage, the sounds of rodents scurrying through walls and ceilings can be disruptive and stressful.
How to make rodent prevention part of your winter prep
If you know that your home could be the target of a rodent infestation this winter, you’ll take the necessary steps to ensure that doesn’t happen. Below is a list of prevention tips you can implement to lessen your chances of ending up with rodents in your house.
Sealing entry points into your house, such as:
- Cracks and crevices
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Holes in your siding
- Open vents
- Uncapped chimneys
Eliminating outdoor food sources, such as:
- Fallen fruit from trees
- Bird seed
- Pet food
- Open garbage bins
- Removing harborage areas outside, such as:
- Piles of firewood near your house
- Overgrown landscaping and foliage
- Rock walls
- Clutter around the perimeter of your house
Taking care of moisture issues, such as:
- Dripping faucets
- Leaking pipes
- Standing water
- Drainage issues
- Damp crawl space
Keeping your kitchen free of open food sources by:
- Storing food in sealed containers
- Cleaning dishes, counters, and sinks after meals
- Removing trash regularly
- Cleaning up spills and messes in cupboards and pantries
- Vacuuming floors regularly
Eliminating clutter in:
- Closets & storage areas
- Basements
- Attics
By implementing these preventative techniques, you make it far less likely that your home will be invaded by rodents this winter. However, there is one more thing you can do!
The best way to prevent rodents from spending the winter in your home
Your preventative measures, combined with ongoing pest control services, will stop a rodent infestation before it starts. Getem Services provides ongoing pest control services that protect homes in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and elsewhere in Hampton Roads from rodents and other common house-infesting pests. Our home pest control service includes the following every quarter:
- Knocking down spider webs and wasp nests (up to one story)
- Administering an exterior pest treatment that creates a perimeter barrier to keep pests out of your home
- Checking and replenishing rodent bait stations, if necessary
- Providing an interior pest treatment if there's a problem
This plan targets not only rodents but also a variety of insects, including, but not limited to:
- Ants
- Beetles
- House spiders
- Black widows
- Earwigs
- Fleas
- Centipedes
- Millipedes
- Springtails
- Cockroaches (excluding German roaches)
If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time of year to implement a home pest control plan. Start your winter on the right foot by ensuring your home stays rodent-free. Not only will you avoid a rodent infestation, but you’ll also go into spring knowing that your home is protected from common springtime pests! Contact Getem Services to get started today!
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