Winter Rodents: Preventing Infestations and Protecting Your Home
When cooler weather conditions roll in, many pests and rodents such as rats, mice, and even larger mammals will attempt to enter homes this winter as they seek shelter to escape the elements. Rodents are the most common pests this season. These pests can cause damage to property by chewing through drywall, insulation, wood, and electrical and automotive wiring, increasing the potential risk for fires. They are also known to spread a variety of diseases, including Salmonella, murine typhus, Bubonic plague, rat-bite fever, and the potentially fatal Hantavirus. An infestation by these pests can cause serious health and property issues if not properly dealt with in a timely manner.
In this article, we will go over the best ways to make sure rodents don’t ruin these early months of 2025.

Health Threats Posed by Rodents
Mice and rats can pose significant health threats by contaminating food with feces, urine, or saliva, leading to foodborne diseases. Additionally, these rodents can carry and introduce parasites such as fleas, ticks, and lice indoors, which can lead to secondary infestations and diseases. Some diseases rodents are known to spread include:
- Hantavirus: A potentially fatal disease transmitted through rodent droppings, urine, and saliva.
- Salmonella: Bacterial infection caused by consuming food or food preparation areas contaminated by rodents.
- Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection spread through rat bites, skin contact with contaminated water, and ingestion of food or water contaminated with rodent urine.
- Rat-Bite Fever: A potentially serious illness spread through rodent bites or consuming contaminated food.
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV): A viral infection spread through exposure to rodent urine or droppings or contaminated food.
- Murine Typhus and Bubonic Plague: Transmitted by fleas carried by rodents.
These diseases can have severe consequences, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Structural Damage Caused by Rodents
Beyond health risks, rodents pose a significant risk to your home’s structural integrity. Their incessant need to gnaw keeps their teeth from overgrowing, but this behavior can result in:
- Damaging HVAC systems by nesting inside ducts.
- Chewing through wooden beams, weakening structures.
- Damaging insulation, reducing energy efficiency.
- Gnawing on electrical wires, increasing the risk of fires.
- Ruining stored belongings in attics, basements, and garages.
- Creating holes in walls, floors, and foundations.

Rodent Behavior in Winter
As temperatures drop, rodents seek out warm, dry, and safe environments to nest and breed. Homes provide an ideal habitat with easy access to food and shelter. Rodents are nocturnal, so infestations may not always be immediately apparent. Signs of a rodent problem include:
- Droppings in cupboards, drawers, or along baseboards.
- Scratching noises in walls, attics, or ceilings.
- Chewed food packaging or gnaw marks on furniture and wiring.
- Nesting materials such as shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.
- Greasy rub marks along walls or baseboards from rodent fur.
- Unpleasant odors caused by rodent urine or decay.
If any of these signs are present, immediate action is required to prevent the problem from escalating.
Comprehensive Rodent Control
Massey Services recommends a comprehensive rodent control program that incorporates sanitation, exclusion, repellents, traps, and baiting. By addressing each of these factors, homeowners can effectively reduce the risk of infestations.
Sanitation
Proper sanitation is the first and most crucial step in preventing rodent infestations. Animals need food, water, and shelter, and eliminating these essentials can deter them from taking up residence in your home.
- Remove piles of debris that are next to the exterior wall and in the yard, such as unused lumber or trash, which provide shelter.
- Pick up fallen fruit from trees and ensure trash cans have secure lids.
- Store pet food, bird seed, and grains in sealed, rodent-proof containers.
- Regularly clean under kitchen appliances, behind furniture, and in storage areas.
- Clean outdoor areas, including patios, sheds, and garages.
Exclusion
Rodents can squeeze through any opening their heads can fit through. For mice, this can be an opening as small as 1/4 inch and for rats about 1/2 inch. Sealing entry points is essential for keeping rodents out.
- Inspect areas around wires, conduits, pipes, and plumbing stacks.
- Check soffits, eaves, attic vents, and crawlspaces for gaps.
- Ensure doors have intact sweeps and weather stripping.
- Seal small openings with copper mesh, 1/4-inch hardware cloth, or cement.
- Use silicone caulk to fill cracks and crevices.

Repellents
Repellents can be a useful addition to your rodent control plan.
- Use gel repellents made from plant-based and pepper oils at access points.
- Consider installing strobe lights in attics or crawlspaces to deter rodents.
- Apply natural deterrents like peppermint oil in rodent-prone areas.
While repellents are helpful, they are most effective when combined with exclusion and sanitation efforts.

Traps & Baiting
Traps and baiting can be effective tools for managing rodent populations inside your home.
- Use snap traps or sticky traps baited with seeds, fruit, or peanut butter. Ensure careful placement away from areas accessible to children and pets.
- Secure traps to prevent rodents from dragging them away.
- Check traps regularly and remove any dead rodents promptly.
- Avoid using rodenticides in attics or enclosed spaces where carcasses can decay and cause odors.
- Use tamper-proof bait stations for safety.
Prevention Tips for Homeowners
To prevent pests from infesting your home this winter, consider implementing the following tips:
- Seal cracks and holes around pipes and conduits entering the home that larger than ¼ inch (6 mm).
- Inspect and repair garage door seals and weather stripping.
- Remove debris, woodpiles, and potential nesting materials from around your property.
- Trim trees, branches, and shrubbery away from the home.
- Ensure trash bins are tightly sealed and kept away from entry points.
- Fix any leaking pipes or standing water sources.
- Regularly clean and inspect attics, basements, and storage spaces.
- Schedule seasonal pest inspections.
Professional Rodent Control Services
While DIY methods can help control minor rodent problems, professional pest control services provide a more comprehensive approach. Massey Services specializes in identifying rodent entry points, sealing access areas, and implementing targeted treatment plans.
Why Choose Professional Services?
- Expertise in identifying signs of infestation.
- Safe handling and placement of traps and baits.
- Long-term prevention strategies.
- Regular monitoring and maintenance.
- Customized rodent control plans tailored to your home.

Final Thoughts
Rodents are more than just a nuisance; they pose significant health risks and can cause severe structural damage to your home. By understanding their behavior, recognizing early signs of infestation, and taking proactive prevention steps, homeowners can effectively reduce the risk of rodent problems this winter.
Combining sanitation, exclusion, repellents, traps, and professional services provides a multi-layered defense against rodents. Don’t wait until you notice the signs of an infestation—start protecting your home today to ensure a safe, rodent-free winter season.
If you are having any issues with rodents, contact Massey Services today! Our preventive pest control program focuses on the outside of your home to identify and eliminate the conditions, avenues and sources that could lead to a pest infestation.
