Winter brings in mice, rats & more. Here’s how to get them out of your Ohio home
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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 rodents come around in the winter?
The obvious answer: they want a warm meal and a blankie, too.
According to Stark Exterminators, mice and rats are simply “searching for food and shelter, and will happily make their way into your home to find it.”
But rodents, no matter how small, can create chaos wherever they go.
Stark Exterminator experts said rodents can cause damage by biting through wires in your home. Moreover, rodents can pose a health threat. “They also leave their droppings behind which can mix with the dust in the air, raising numerous health issues for you and your family,” said experts.
So, how can you get rid of the pesky 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 and doors. 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 6:00 AM