Why Rodents Are More Active in October and How to Keep Them Out

As the temperatures begin to drop in Rochester, NY, rodents like mice and rats become more active in their search for warmth and shelter. October is a key month when these pests start looking for places to hunker down for the winter, which often means they’re targeting your home. Rodents aren’t just a nuisance—they can cause significant damage to your property and pose health risks to your family.

In this article, we’ll explore why rodents are more active in October and offer effective strategies to keep them out of your home.

Why Rodents Are More Active in October in Upstate New York

1. The Change in Weather

As the cooler temperatures of fall set in, rodents begin to seek warm and cozy places to escape the cold. Homes and buildings offer the perfect environment for rodents because they provide warmth, food, and nesting materials. October marks the beginning of this behavior, as rodents instinctively prepare for winter.

2. The Need for Food and Shelter

Rodents, like all animals, need food and shelter to survive, and as natural food sources become scarce in the fall, they are drawn to homes where they can easily access both. Kitchens, basements, and storage areas provide abundant food sources for rodents, while attics and wall voids offer them safe, hidden places to nest.

3. Reproduction Cycles

Rodents have short gestation periods and reproduce quickly, which means a small problem can turn into a full-blown infestation in a matter of weeks. October is often a time when rodents are more focused on nesting and reproducing indoors, further driving their activity levels.

How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Rochester Home

Now that you know why rodents are more active in October, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from entering your home. Here are some effective strategies to keep rodents at bay this fall.

1. Seal Entry Points

One of the most important steps in keeping rodents out is to block their access to your home. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, so it’s essential to inspect your home for any gaps or cracks where rodents could enter.

• Check for Gaps Around Windows and Doors: Install weatherstripping or door sweeps to seal any gaps.
• Seal Cracks in the Foundation: Use caulk or expandable foam to seal cracks in your foundation and siding.
• Inspect Utility Openings: Make sure there are no gaps around pipes, vents, or electrical lines that enter your home. Seal them with steel wool or mesh to keep rodents from chewing through.

Need help identifying and sealing entry points? Contact Exodus Exterminating for a thorough inspection and professional rodent exclusion services. Visit our contact page to schedule an appointment.

2. Eliminate Food Sources

Rodents are drawn to homes by the promise of easy access to food. Reducing their access to food sources is a key part of rodent prevention.

• Store Food in Airtight Containers: Keep food, including pet food, in sealed containers that rodents can’t chew through.
• Clean Up Crumbs and Spills Immediately: Don’t leave food out on countertops, and make sure to clean up any crumbs or spills right away.
• Take Out the Trash Regularly: Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids, and make sure to empty them regularly to avoid attracting rodents.

3. Declutter and Clean

Rodents love to nest in cluttered areas where they can hide and remain undisturbed. Decluttering and maintaining a clean home can discourage rodents from settling in.

• Organize Storage Areas: Keep items in plastic storage bins rather than cardboard boxes, which rodents can chew through easily.
• Keep Basements and Attics Tidy: Regularly clean and organize these areas, as they are prime spots for rodents to nest.
• Remove Outdoor Debris: Clear away piles of leaves, wood, and other yard debris, which can attract rodents.

4. Use Traps and Baits

If you suspect that rodents have already entered your home, using traps and baits can help control the population before it gets out of hand.

• Snap Traps: Place snap traps in areas where you’ve noticed rodent activity, such as along walls and in corners.
• Bait Stations: Use tamper-resistant bait stations to prevent children or pets from accessing the poison. Place these stations near entry points or areas where rodents are most likely to travel.

Concerned about rodent activity in your home? Contact Exodus Exterminating for expert rodent control services. Visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.

5. Maintain Your Home’s Exterior

Keeping your home’s exterior in good shape can reduce the likelihood of rodents finding their way inside.

• Keep Firewood Away from Your Home: Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house and elevate it off the ground to prevent rodents from nesting in the woodpile.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Cut back any branches that hang close to your home’s roofline, as rodents can use them as bridges to access your home.
• Clear Gutters: Make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris to prevent rodents from using them as nesting sites.

Why Professional Rodent Control Is Important in Rochester, NY

While DIY methods can be effective in some cases, nothing beats the thoroughness and expertise of a professional rodent control service. At Exodus Exterminating, we offer comprehensive rodent control solutions that are designed to eliminate current infestations and prevent future ones. Our experienced technicians can identify entry points, apply treatments, and provide ongoing monitoring to ensure your home stays rodent-free all season long.

Don’t let rodents take over your home this fall. Contact Exodus Exterminating today to schedule a professional rodent inspection and exclusion service. Visit our contact page or call us at 585-328-0990 to get started.

Rochester, NY Pest Control Professionals

Rodents are more active in October as they search for warmth, food, and shelter. By taking proactive steps such as sealing entry points, eliminating food sources, and using traps, you can significantly reduce the risk of a rodent infestation. For complete protection, consider scheduling a professional rodent control service with Exodus Exterminating.

Ready to protect your home from rodents this fall? Visit our contact page to schedule your rodent control service and keep your home rodent-free this season.