As outdoor temperatures cool in fall, rodents actively look for warmer places to nest — which makes fall the season we see the sharpest increase in rodent-related calls.
Signs to watch for
Small droppings near food storage, baseboards, or in attics and garages; gnaw marks on food packaging, wiring, or wood; scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, especially at night; and a distinct musky odor in enclosed spaces are all common early indicators.
How they’re actually getting in
Gaps around utility line penetrations, unsealed garage door edges, vents without proper screening, and small gaps at the roofline are the most common entry points — a mouse can fit through a gap as small as a dime, so “no obvious hole” doesn’t mean no entry point.
Why speed matters
Rodents reproduce quickly, and a small problem in early fall can become a much larger one by winter if entry points aren’t sealed and existing activity isn’t addressed.
What actually works
Identifying and sealing entry points is just as important as trapping or baiting — treating the population without closing the entry point means new rodents simply move in behind the ones that were removed.
