How to Keep Your Home Rodent-Free in the Winter

As temperatures drop, rodents like mice and rats look for warm shelter, food, and water—and homes provide all three. Winter is the peak season for rodent infestations, but with prevention and a few smart DIY steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of unwanted guests moving in.

Why Rodents Enter Homes in Winter

• Cold weather drives them indoors for warmth
• Food is scarcer outside
• Homes offer hidden nesting spots in walls, basements, and attics

Once inside, rodents can cause property damage, especially electrical. Wires get chewed and become a fire hazard. Mice contaminate food and spread diseases, making prevention especially important.

DIY Options to Keep Rodents Out

There are preventative measures that homeowners can take to help eliminate the problem before it starts. Preventing rodents in winter is all about preparation. By sealing your home, removing attractants, and staying alert, you can protect your space from damage and keep it comfortable all season long. A little effort early can save a lot of stress later.

Seal Entry Points

• Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, or holes
• Seal openings with caulk, steel wool, or weather-resistant sealant
• Check areas around doors, windows, pipes, and vents
• Repair damaged screens and install door sweeps

Eliminate Food Sources

• Store pantry foods in sealed, rodent-proof containers
• Clean crumbs and spills promptly
• Avoid leaving pet food out overnight
• Use tight-fitting lids on trash cans

Reduce Clutter and Nesting Areas

• Declutter basements, attics, garages, and storage areas
• Store items in plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes
• Keep firewood stacked away from the house and off the ground

Maintain Your Yard

• Trim shrubs and tree branches away from the home
• Remove leaf piles and debris near foundations
• Keep outdoor feeding areas (like bird feeders) far from the house

Use Natural Deterrents

• Place cotton balls with peppermint oil in entry-prone areas
• Keep strong-smelling items (like cedar blocks) in storage spaces
• Maintain good airflow and lighting in dark areas rodents prefer

Monitor and Act Early

• Look for signs such as droppings, gnaw marks, or scratching sounds
• Set basic snap traps in areas of activity (follow safety instructions carefully)
• Check traps regularly and keep them out of reach of pets and children

When DIY Isn’t Enough

If rodent activity continues despite your efforts, the infestation may be larger or hidden inside walls. In those cases, it’s time to call a licensed pest control professional who can help ensure the problem is handled safely and effectively.

A service from a licensed professional should include placement of exterior rodent bait in tamper proof bait stations. Mice like to use the same path to enter the home, and a trained eye will look for those ‘rub’ marks. This allows for strategic placement of bait and detection of openings around the foundation of the home.