They can. As temperatures fall, protected structures become more useful to rodents looking for shelter from cold and changing weather.
Rodents don’t want to be outside in the cold and the rain all season long. So they often look for better places to stay through the winter. Sometimes, this means places like under the deck or in wood piles or sheds. If you’re a little less lucky, it might mean they go inside your house for shelter instead.
Garages, basements, crawl spaces, attics, sheds, and wall voids are all better than sleeping outside. So when temperatures start to fall around Kansas City, all of these spaces start looking very attractive to rodents. But rodents still need a way inside.
Small gaps are all rodents need to get inside. An opening around 1/4 inch wide can be enough for a mouse, and you can find many such gaps around doors, garage seals, foundations, vents, siding transitions, and utilities. And if your house has sources of food, like bird seed, pet food, pantry items, or even trash, it’s likely the rodents will stay around for a while. The same is true if there is cardboard, fabric, insulation, or general clutter which rodents can either hide in or shred to make nests.
Fall is the best time to check your home for potential rodent entrances. Start with the bottom of exterior doors and the corners of garage doors. Check utility penetrations, foundation seams, vents, damaged screens, and places where different building materials meet. Unnecessary gaps can be closed with durable materials while required ventilation remains open.
Inside, if you’re worried about rodents, there are a few signs you can look out for. Droppings, gnaw marks, shredded nesting material, damaged food packaging, rub marks, or recurring nighttime sounds may indicate rodent activity. Several signs appearing in the same area can also help narrow down where rodents are moving.
If you find yourself with an infestation, call a professional. They will help you clear out the existing rodents and then seal up the entry points they used to get inside.
If rodents are getting into your Kansas City property as temperatures fall, Mosquito Squad of Kansas City can help identify pest activity and determine an appropriate control approach. Call (913) 586-2390 or request a free quote online.
