Why Rodent Problems Spike in Nashville Homes Each Winter

Wouldn't it be nice if every pest went dormant in the winter? There’s never a good time of year to deal with pests, but having a season off would be a decent compromise. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an area where that can be a reality. Despite some pests disappearing during the winter, others, including rodents, remain active all year long. 

Because they don’t hibernate, rodents look for warm shelter and a steady food source to get them through Nashville winters, and they often end up in Nashville homes as a result. Learn more about why rodent problems spike in Nashville homes each winter and how you can protect your home with All-American Pest Control's expert advice below.

Why Do Mice Seem More Active During Winter?

Mouse activity doesn’t increase in the winter; it only appears that way to us because of where rodents tend to spend their time in the winter versus in the summer. When the weather is nice outside, rodents can easily survive outdoors. There is plenty of warmth, plenty of food, and plenty of water. 

As the seasons change and the weather shifts, mice and rats have to search harder for warm shelter, food, and water. The easiest places to find the things they need for survival are inside homes. Your house is heated, it has a constant food supply, and it offers a steady supply of water. Since rodents are most likely to spend the majority of their time indoors in the winter, it can feel like they are more active at this time of year, when in reality, they’re simply spending more of their time nearby.

What Makes Nashville Homes Especially Vulnerable in January?

January weather in Nashville can be all over the place. An unseasonably warm day can quickly give way to a deep freeze the next. Because of this, mice and rats will continue to seek warm shelter throughout the month. 

Many Nashville homes lend themselves to rodent infestations. Older homes are prevalent here, and these homes tend to offer more entry points for rodents to exploit. As houses settle, cracks appear, weather seals age, and gaps appear around windows and doors. All of these little spaces offer rodents room to get inside. 

Where Do Mice Hide Once Inside?

Once they get into your house, mice and rats are likely to end up in a few spaces. Attics are a common area for mice and roof rats to nest. Crawl spaces or basements offer protection for mice and Norway rats. You may also find rodents in garages, sheds, and storage areas. Because they seek the safety of secluded areas, they most often nest behind appliances, in or behind storage boxes, inside wall voids and insulation, and in other areas to provide protection and warmth.

What Are the Signs of a Rodent Problem?

If you worry that rodents will get into your house this winter, it’s wise to know the signs of their presence and to be on the lookout for those signs. Signs of a rodent problem include:

• Droppings near food, on countertops, under sinks, or along the edges of walls

• Scratching or rustling sounds in walls or ceilings

• Chewed wires, packaging, baseboards, insulation, and personal belongings

• Grease marks along baseboards

• Strange pet behavior, such as alerting in particular areas 

Why Do Rodent Infestations Grow So Fast?

One of the major problems with a rodent infestation is that it can grow very quickly. Female mice can start to breed as young as six weeks old, and they produce multiple litters a year. Although many pests slow their reproduction down during the winter, this won’t necessarily be the case with rodents if they’re living in your house. If they have consistent warmth, plenty of food and water, and a lack of predators to worry about, they are likely to reproduce more rapidly than they would if they were living outdoors.

How Do Rodents Get Inside So Easily?

It’s extremely easy for rodents to find their way into your house. You might think that their size would preclude them from accessing the interior of your home, but they are able to fit through openings that are surprisingly small. A mouse can squeeze through a dime-sized hole, so even the tiny gap between your door and doorframe that you’ve been meaning to fix could grant access to mice looking for a home.

Other common spots for mice and rats to get inside include:

• Cracks in foundations

• Gaps around pipes and utility lines

• Torn or missing screens

• Open vents or chimneys

• Worn weather stripping around doors and windows

• Damaged siding or roofing

Can You Prevent Rodents from Entering in the First Place?

The best way to deal with rodents is to stop them before they get into your house. Prevention can save you from rodent-caused damage and diseases, which protects your home and family and saves you money. These prevention tips from All-American Pest Control are a great way to keep mice out of your house:

• Seal cracks and holes with steel wool or caulk

• Install door sweeps and weatherstripping

• Repair or replace torn screens

• Keep firewood, trash bins, and clutter away from your home’s exterior

• Cut back vegetation around your home’s perimeter

• Store food in sealed containers

• Maintain clean kitchens and dry basements

• Reduce clutter inside your house

What Should You Do If You Hear or See Rodents?

If you hear, see, or notice any signs of rodents inside your house, don’t ignore the signs. Prompt action will help you minimize the issues that occur as a result of a rodent infestation. The earlier the problem is addressed, the fewer chances the rodents will have to cause damage, spread illnesses, and increase in population.

Do-it-yourself rodent control can be tempting to consider, but professional rodent control can save you time and money in the long run. DIY efforts often eliminate some of the problem without getting at the root of the issue, allowing the infestation to continue to grow. With professional rodent control, you’ll receive services that are designed to eliminate the problem and make sure it doesn’t return.

All-American offers rodent inspections and control services to Nashville homeowners. We’ll customize a treatment plan for your home based on your unique needs. We have the training,  tools, and experience necessary to deal with a rodent infestation efficiently.

Schedule a Winter Rodent Inspection With All-American Pest Control

Whether you think you have rodents in your house or not, January is the perfect time to schedule a home rodent inspection with All-American. Our services aren’t just designed for active infestations; they’re also perfect for pest prevention. In fact, we recommend our Perimeter Plus plan for year-round pest protection against rodents and over 47 other common Nashville pests. Protect your home and family today by contacting All-American Pest Control.

Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts

Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: Adams, Ashburn, Barren Plains, Bethpage, Bransford, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Coopertown, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Madison, Millersville, Orlinda, Pleasentville, Portland, Ridgetop, Springfield, Westmoreland, White House, and the entire Robertson County, Sumner Country and Greater Nashville areas.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.