Rodent Road Trip: How to Keep Mice Out as Temperatures Drop

As the air turns crisp and the first hints of autumn color appear on the maple trees, rodents like mice start planning their own seasonal migration—straight into your home. When the temperatures cool, mice instinctively seek out warmth, and unfortunately, your attic or basement becomes their ideal destination. To them, your cozy home is a welcoming haven from the chilly weather.

To prevent these unwelcome guests from setting up camp in your home, it's essential to act before the invasion begins. Here are three effective strategies to keep rodents from embedding themselves in your insulation, storage spaces, and even your food pantry.

1. Exclusion: Seal the Entry Points

Rodents are masters at finding even the smallest openings to squeeze through, so “excluding” them is the first and most important step. For our purposes, “exclude” means sealing any gaps or voids in your home’s exterior. 

Mice can fit through holes as small as a dime, so careful inspection is key. Check your foundation for any cracks or gaps, particularly if your home has older or fieldstone construction, which is common in many areas with historic homes. Pay special attention to:

• Cracks in the foundation

• Gaps around windows and doors

• Openings around utility lines or vents

• Spaces under siding or in the roofline

A rodent can easily exploit these vulnerable areas, so sealing them with caulk, steel wool, or expandable foam can block their entry. Don’t forget to install door sweeps on exterior doors and reinforce window screens to prevent access.

2. Eliminate Food Sources

Rodents are opportunists when it comes to food, and if your home offers easy access to meals, they’ll keep coming back for more. The key here is to remove the temptation by ensuring no food is easily accessible, including what might be forgotten in storage or common areas like garages or basements. Focus on the following:

• Dog and cat food: Store pet food in airtight, sealed containers. Simply rolling the bag top and leaving it in the garage won’t deter hungry rodents.

• Pantry items: Ensure your pantry is well-organized, with food items stored in sealed plastic or glass containers rather than in their original packaging, which mice can easily chew through.

• Basement water sources: If your basement has a sump pump or standing water, take measures to eliminate this water source, as rodents need access to water for survival.

Cutting off easy access to food and water makes your home far less attractive to rodents looking for a free meal.

3. Reduce Shelter Opportunities

Rodents aren’t just looking for food—they also seek welcoming, hidden spots to nest. By reducing potential shelter areas, you can make your home less appealing. Look for places where mice might hide and remove or reorganize these areas. Important steps include:

• Woodpiles: Move firewood or lumber piles away from your home’s foundation. Stacking them right up against the house is an open invitation for rodents and termites alike. Instead, keep woodpiles at least 20 feet from the house and elevate them a few inches off the ground.

• Clutter: Keep garages, attics, and basements tidy and free of clutter. Mice thrive in disorganized spaces with plenty of hiding spots. Clear out any debris, old boxes, and stored items that could serve as shelter.

• Landscaping: Trim back overgrown bushes, shrubs, and trees near the house to reduce the chance that mice will use them as a bridge to enter your home.

By taking these three steps—exclusion, food source elimination, and shelter reduction—you can significantly reduce the likelihood of rodents moving into your home as the weather cools. 

However, if you're already seeing signs of rodents or suspecting an infestation, it's best to call professionals for help. If you need expert assistance, please reach out at 508-501-3513 or 774-764-1282. For more information on why controlling rodents is a good idea, click here. Take action now to keep rodents out and your home warm and inviting—just for you, not for them!

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