Fall Rodent Prevention in Chesapeake and Hampton Roads
As temperatures begin to drop in Hampton Roads, mice and rats start looking for warmer places to find food, water, and shelter. Homes in Chesapeake and surrounding communities can provide exactly what rodents are looking for.
Taking a few preventative steps in the fall can help reduce the chances of rodents making themselves at home inside your property.
Why Do Mice and Rats Come Inside During the Fall?
Rodents are more likely to enter homes when outdoor temperatures cool and natural food sources become harder to find.
Garages, attics, crawl spaces, kitchens, sheds, and wall voids can all provide warmth and protection from the weather. Once rodents find an entry point, they may stay if food and shelter are available.
Learn more about Priority Pest Services and the pest control options available for homeowners throughout Hampton Roads.
What Are Common Rodent Entry Points?
Mice and rats can take advantage of surprisingly small openings around a home.
Common rodent entry points include:
- Gaps around doors and garage doors
- Openings around pipes and utility lines
- Damaged vents
- Cracks around the foundation
- Gaps near the roofline
- Crawl space openings
- Damaged screens or exterior materials
Checking these areas before colder weather arrives can help make your home less inviting to rodents.
What Are the Signs of a Rodent Problem?
Rodents are often active at night, so homeowners may notice evidence of an infestation before actually seeing a mouse or rat.
Common warning signs include droppings, scratching sounds inside walls or ceilings, chewed food packaging, gnaw marks, nesting material, and unusual odors.
If you notice repeated signs of rodent activity, it is important to determine how they are getting inside rather than only dealing with the rodents you can see.
How Can You Help Prevent Rodents This Fall?
Start by sealing exterior gaps, keeping food stored in sealed containers, cleaning up crumbs and spills, and reducing clutter in garages, attics, and storage spaces.
Homeowners should also inspect crawl spaces, utility openings, doors, and other areas rodents may use to enter the home.
You can also review the Priority Pest Services Home Pest Protection Guide for additional information about protecting your property from common pests.
When Should You Call Professional Rodent Control?
Professional rodent control may be a good next step when you are seeing repeated signs of activity, hearing rodents inside walls or ceilings, finding droppings in multiple areas, or having difficulty identifying where rodents are entering.
A professional pest inspection can help determine the extent of the problem, locate possible entry points, and recommend the appropriate treatment and prevention plan.
Priority Pest Services works with homeowners throughout Chesapeake and Hampton Roads to address rodent problems and other common household pests.
Protect Your Home Before Rodents Move In
Fall is a good time to check your home for potential rodent entry points before colder weather pushes mice and rats indoors.
If you are seeing signs of rodents or want help protecting your home before a larger problem develops, the team at Priority Pest Services can help.
Contact Priority Pest Services today,
for a FREE home, termite, and moisture inspection!