Spoiler: It's not always the front door.
As the summer sun starts to set a little earlier and that familiar crispness hits the air, pests are already plotting their great indoor migration. You might be stocking up on pumpkin spice, but rats and mice? They're stocking up on your food scraps, pet food, and anything else they can gnaw on.
Fall is prime time for rodent activity, and if you're wondering how these sneaky little freeloaders are getting inside your home, buckle up. We're breaking down all the possible entry points and giving you expert-backed, Pest Nerd-approved advice on how to prevent rodents from making your house their cozy winter lodge. Curious about what these pests do in the winter? Learn more about where rats and mice go in the fall and winter and how they survive the cold.
The Great Indoors: Why Rats and Mice Move In
As temperatures dip, rats and mice start looking for food, water sources, and shelter. If your home checks all three boxes (plus bonus points for nesting materials like paper, fabric, or insulation), you're on their list.
Some of the most common attractants include:
Pet food left out overnight
Food scraps or crumbs on counters and floors
Bird feeders in the yard
Open garbage cans without tight-fitting lids
Plumbing leaks or standing water
Unsealed food packaging in cabinets or pantries
Whether you live in a city or a suburb, roof rats, Norway rats, and house mice are all on the lookout for a warm, food-filled haven.
Entry Points: Where Are Rats and Mice Getting In?
Rodents are experts at squeezing into tight spaces. Mice can fit through holes the size of a dime, and rats can slip through gaps as small as a quarter. Here's where you should be looking:
Gaps around windows and doors
Holes in walls, especially behind appliances
Open floor drains
Cracks in foundations
Vents and crawl spaces
Gaps around plumbing and electrical cords
Attics and rooflines (hello, roof rats!)
Old cars or outdoor storage areas
Garages or sheds with poor seals
If you can see daylight through a gap, rats and mice see an opportunity. And once they're in? You'll start spotting gnaw marks, rat droppings, and possibly even a rodent nest or two in hidden areas.
How to Prevent Rats from Entering Your House
Now for the good stuff: rat control and prevention tips that work before a full-blown rat infestation takes hold.
Seal the Deal
Use steel wool, hardware cloth, or metal sheeting to plug holes and seal gaps.
Install door sweeps and repair torn window screens.
Cap off chimneys and vents with rodent-proof covers.
Clean Up, Store Smart
Store food (including pet food) in airtight containers.
Keep all trash bins sealed with tight-fitting lids.
Eliminate food and water sources, like leaky pipes and open pet bowls.
Declutter and Deny Nesting Materials
Remove wood piles, fabric, or nesting materials from near the home.
Keep storage areas tidy and elevated off the ground.
Limit access to hidden areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
Natural Remedies vs. Professional Rat Control
Sure, some folks swear by peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, or a spray bottle filled with essential oils to deter rats, but let's be real. When you're facing a rodent problem, natural remedies can be more of a deterrent than a solution.
Worse yet, some DIYers turn to harsh chemicals without proper precautions—something that puts children and pets at serious risk. Always wear gloves when cleaning up droppings or handling traps, and never touch dead rats or rat droppings with your bare hands.
Rat Traps, Bait Stations & When to Call in the Pest Nerds
For minor rodent infestations, rat traps and bait stations may help control rats temporarily, but the key is targeting the entire rat population, not just the ones bold enough to raid your kitchen at night.
If you've noticed:
Increased rat activity
Visible droppings
Signs of chewed food packaging
Or—worse—a dead rat or foul smell in your walls…
It's time to call in the experts.
At Greenix Pest Control, we don't just get rid of rats; we help you discourage rats from coming back using proactive, & proactive methods. Our rodent control services are designed to protect your house, your pets, and your peace of mind.
Take Preventive Measures Now Before It's a Problem
Whether you're trying to keep rats out, prevent rodents altogether, or just curious about how they keep slipping in, remember: the best offense is a great defense.
Seal those entry points, store food properly, and don't wait until you hear scratching in the walls. With the changing seasons, pests are on the move. Make sure they don't move in with you—learn more with these fall pest control tips.
Need Help With a Rat Problem?
Call in your local Pest Nerds at Greenix! We'll inspect your home, identify possible entry points, and customize a plan that'll rid your home of rats for good.
Ready to say goodbye to rodents? Contact Greenix Pest Control today!
