Yes, attics and wall voids are warm during the winter. Mice can also shred the insulation and build nests with it.
When the weather starts to turn in Wisconsin, rodents don’t want to be outside. That makes your house a lot more valuable as a shelter. So when the temperatures drop, they try their luck.
An attic is protected from snow, wind, rain, and many outdoor predators. Wall voids offer similar protection and may connect different parts of a house. Once mice get inside, they can shred the insulation they find and use it to make nests.
It’s not always obvious when rodents are damaging your living space. Scratching or movement at night can be an early clue. Other signs include droppings, shredded material, gnaw marks, small food caches, tracks through attic insulation, or unusual odors.
Finding evidence of rodent activity in your attic tells you something important: mice found a way in. You want to put a stop to that. And here, prevention works best. In the fall, it’s a good idea to inspect possible access points around rooflines, eaves, attic vents, siding transitions, utility penetrations, and attached structures. Mice can also enter at ground level and move upward through wall voids, so foundations, garage doors, exterior doors, and basement penetrations deserve attention too.
If you find gaps, seal them with caulk. Replace damaged vents or screens but make sure air can still flow through. Also wise: put away bird seed, pet food, and pantry items in heavy plastic or metal containers so rodents can’t easily get to them.
If mice are nesting in an attic or wall, it’s best to call a professional. It’s very hard to clear out rodents on your own. A professional will help you figure out what to do about both the rodents already present and how they are gaining access.
If mice are active around or getting into your Waukesha County & Milwaukee North Shore property, Mosquito Squad of Waukesha County & Milwaukee North Shore can help identify rodent activity and determine an appropriate control approach. Call (262) 333-0395 or request a free quote online.
