Unfortunately, rodents are a common problem all year round. You may be more likely to notice them in winter compared to summer however. This isn\u2019t because there are more of them in January and February, it\u2019s simply because they\u2019re more likely to make their way indoors at this time of year.<\/p>\n
Why are rodents a problem in winter?<\/strong> In the depths of winter however, survival is much harder. Common hiding places such as shrubs are no longer safe because leaves have fallen off, food supplies become increasingly scarce and they need protection from the cold.<\/p>\n Naturally, this makes homes, offices and buildings a very tempting prospect. Although they may be very brazen in their attempts to break in (rats can even climb walls), like any wild animal, rodents will do everything they can to avoid human contact. This means that unfortunately, we\u2019re often unaware of their presence until we\u2019re faced with a full-blown infestation.<\/p>\n How can I stop rodents getting into my home?<\/strong> Remove any food sources<\/strong> \u2022\u00a0Wipe up spills and crumbs immediately Seal potential entry points Mice can be very small but even larger rats can fit into surprisingly small gaps (about half an inch), so it pays to be overly cautious. Some of the most common ways these rodents get into buildings include:<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Vents If you identify any potential entry points, fill them with cement, caulk, plaster or cover them with steel wool or sheet metal.<\/p>\n If the frames around your windows and doors are poorly sealed, buy some sealant to fill the gaps.<\/p>\n
\nRats and mice remain active throughout the year. While the temperature is pleasant, they\u2019re generally happy staying outdoors because there\u2019s plenty of food and it\u2019s easy to stay warm.<\/p>\n
\nPrevention really is key when it comes to rodents. While their numbers can multiply quickly during breeding season, even just one can cause significant damage. As well as posing a risk to our health, they can destroy your property and even cause fires thanks to their tendency to chew through wires.<\/p>\n
\nAn easy food source is always going to be the biggest lure for any pest. Try to make it as difficult as possible for rats and mice to detect and find food. Do bear in mind that rodents will eat pretty much anything so it\u2019s also a good idea to wipe down counters and hoover or mop floors regularly.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022\u00a0Hoover regularly
\n\u2022\u00a0Keep any open food items in a tightly sealed container
\n\u2022\u00a0Clean cupboards regularly
\n\u2022\u00a0Clean around, under and behind your fridge regularly
\n\u2022\u00a0Don\u2019t leave food like fruit out on countertops
\n\u2022\u00a0Store rubbish in a bin with a lid which closes tightly
\n\u2022\u00a0Don\u2019t leave pet food out for too long
\n\u2022\u00a0Check for leaky pipes and taps because this provides a source of water for rats
\n\u2022\u00a0Try to store bins, bird feeders and compost away from your home<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The most obvious reason for this is to prevent rodents getting inside in the first place. It is however, also important to stop them coming and going. Rats need a lot of water to survive which means they will often travel in and out of buildings.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022\u00a0Doors
\n\u2022\u00a0Windows
\n\u2022\u00a0Walls
\n\u2022\u00a0Roofs (especially fascias and wherever an eave meets the roof)
\n\u2022\u00a0Plumbing stacks
\n\u2022\u00a0Air conditioning units
\n\u2022\u00a0Pipes
\n\u2022\u00a0Power line entry points<\/p>\n