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Effective Winter Pest Control Tips to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home

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Effective Winter Pest Control Tips to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home

As temperatures drop, rodents like rats and mice seek warm places to nest—often finding their way into homes and businesses. Once inside, they can cause damage, contaminate food, and pose health risks. Proactive pest control is key to preventing a rodent infestation during the winter months. Here are some effective tips to keep these unwelcome guests out of your space.

1. Seal Entry Points

Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps—mice can fit through holes as small as a dime. Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, foundations, and around utility pipes. Seal these entry points with steel wool, caulking, or metal mesh, as rodents cannot chew through these materials.

Pay special attention to doors, vents and windows. Weather stripping or door sweeps can block gaps under doors, while mesh screens can keep rodents out of vents. Regularly check these barriers throughout the season to ensure they remain intact.

2. Store Food Properly

Rodents are always on the hunt for food, and an unsealed bag of snacks or pet food can quickly attract them. Store all food in airtight containers made of metal or hard plastic. This includes pantry items, pet food, and birdseed.

Clean up crumbs and spills promptly and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Regularly empty trash bins and ensure they have tight-fitting lids. By eliminating potential food sources, you make your home far less appealing to rodents.

3. Keep Your Home Clutter-Free

Cluttered spaces provide ideal hiding spots for rodents to nest and reproduce. Declutter storage areas like basements, garages, and attics, keeping items off the floor and organized. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, as rodents can easily chew through cardboard.

Outside your home, remove debris piles, firewood, and overgrown vegetation near the foundation. Also, trim tree limbs back that may be an easy pathway to your roof or other parts of your home/business. These areas can serve as shelter for rodents before they attempt to enter your home.

4. Maintain Cleanliness

A clean home is less attractive to pests. Vacuum, sweep and eliminate water and spills to regularly remove food crumbs and water. Pay special attention to areas like under appliances, inside cabinets, and along baseboards, where food particles can accumulate.

In addition, clean out gutters and downspouts. Debris in these areas can create damp conditions that attract rodents and other pests. Maintaining a clean environment inside and outside your home is a key step in preventing an infestation.

5. Work with a Professional Pest Control Service

The most effective way to protect your home during the winter is to partner with a professional pest control service like us at Greater NH Pest Control. We can inspect your property, identify potential entry points, and create a customized treatment plan to keep rodents at bay. Professional pest control services also offer preventative measures, like exterior bait stations, to stop rodents before they enter your home.

If you suspect a rodent problem, act quickly. Mice and rats reproduce rapidly, and a small issue can turn into a major infestation in no time. Regular pest control visits ensure your home stays protected year-round.

Get Started With Greater NH Pest Control

Winter may bring chilly weather, but it doesn’t have to bring rodents into your home. By sealing entry points, storing food properly, decluttering, maintaining cleanliness, and partnering with a pest control professional, you can stay ahead of rodents and enjoy a pest-free season. For reliable, proactive pest control services, contact us today—our team is here to help keep your home rodent-free all winter long!