Winter brings in mice, rats & more. Here’s how to get them out of your Georgia home
Everyone wants to be warm during frigid winter days, even the smallest pests.
Freezing temperatures will attract them to your home in the winter, but what will keep them out?
Here’s what to know about why rodents come around and what tips to follow to get them gone.
Why do they come around in the winter?
The obvious answers are food and shelter, right? Well, sure, unless you continuously see them around.
Of course, you’ll probably see house mice or rats scurrying around more when it gets cold, but there are other reasons they come around and overstay their welcome. Actually, there are several reasons.
According to Purcor Pest Solutions, the reasons could be “extensive:”
“From clutter and poorly sealed trash cans to overgrown trees and bushes, rats and mice use a variety of methods to invade unsuspecting households.”
Rodents, no matter how small, can create a huge mess and major damage, so it’s best to make a plan and get them out before it’s too late. So, how can you get rid of the pests for good? Follow these tips:
How can I keep rodents away in the winter?
If you see mice or rats inside your home, Purcor Pest Solutions suggests securing all access points.
“Rats and mice can fit into holes about the size of a quarter and chew through most material to create a hole big enough to squeeze through,” said Purcor experts. Look around and secure cracks or holes near windows, doors and be sure to look high up on your walls, too.
However, other experts say that your trash could be the problem.
“Winter wildlife is comprised of omnivores, which means these animals will eat just about anything,” Bug House Pest Control experts said. “Deter unwanted pests by tightly securing trash can lids, avoiding overfilling containers, and washing bins regularly to dislodge errant food waste.”
In addition, here are more tips from the CDC:
Clean up spilled food right away. Wash dishes and cooking utensils soon after use.
Put pet food away after use. Do not leave food or water bowls out overnight.
Keep outside cooking areas and grills clean.
Keep composting bins at least 100 feet from your house.
Keep bird feeders away from the house and use squirrel guards to limit access to the feeder by squirrels and other rodents.
Keep grains and animal feed in thick plastic or metal containers with tight lids.
Dispose of abandoned vehicles or move them more than 100 feet from your home.
Clean up brush and weeds around your home. Keep grass and shrubbery within 100 feet of your home well-trimmed.
Do you have any secrets for keeping the rodents away? Share them in the comments below or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published January 3, 2025 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Winter brings in mice, rats & more. Here’s how to get them out of your Georgia home."
