Have you ever had rodents and bats nesting in your home around this time of year? Ever wondered why? As the weather gets colder, outdoor critters are seeking warmth and often find themselves headed indoors. Smaller animals such as mice and rats don’t have the ability to migrate long distances to escape the cold, which is why these rodents will migrate to the nearest warm place they can find, which is often inside our homes, however that can also be in a tree, under a rock or nearby our homes.
Common entry points to keep your eye on are through utility pipes, or cracks in the home’s foundations. It is important that homeowners are constantly checking their home for holes and/or crack in the exterior of their home.
"Most small animals can contort their bodies to fit through really small spaces. And things like rodents, you have to keep in mind, if the hole's a little too small, they can chew it bigger," John George of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s said.
Unfortunately, mice and other rodents can easily chew through plastic and cardboard, so make sure to keep your food stored in sturdy, see through-totes. Keep your firewood away from your house as well, as this is a popular spot where rats and mice like to go when temperatures drop.
Here are a few telltale signs that a mouse might be in your home:
- Droppings
- Gnawed holes in bags of food or birdseed
- Your pet might be playing closer attention to a dark closet or corner in the kitchen
To get rid of the problem there are a variety of kill and no-kill traps. If the problem persists, be sure to call your local pest control company to get rid of the problem!
