As the heat of a Houston summer finally begins to fade, we all look forward to cooler, more comfortable weather. While you're preparing your home for the coming season, there's one unwelcome guest that's also looking for a warm place to stay: rodents. Mice and rats are experts at finding even the smallest opening to get inside, and once they're in, they can multiply quickly, cause damage to your property, and pose health risks to your family. Taking proactive steps now can save you a lot of trouble later.

Worried about an immediate rodent problem? Don't wait—call us today at (281) 305-0637 or fill out our online contact form to get help fast.

Why Rodents Seek Shelter Indoors

The shift to cooler temperatures is the primary driver behind rodent movement indoors. Just like us, mice and rats are looking for a place that's warm, dry, and provides easy access to food and water. Your home is the perfect haven, offering all the comforts they need to survive and thrive.

They are masters of adapting to their environment and can squeeze through incredibly tiny spaces, which is why a thorough inspection of your home's exterior is so critical. A small crack in a foundation or a gap around a utility pipe can be an open invitation for a family of rodents seeking refuge.

Seal Entry Points and Secure Your Home

The single most important step in rodent control is to seal up all potential entry points. Think of your home as a fortress you need to protect. Even small openings are a major weak spot. A mouse can fit through an opening the size of a dime, and a rat can fit through a space the size of a quarter. This means you need to be meticulous when inspecting and sealing.

Start by walking around the entire exterior of your home, from the foundation to the roofline. Pay close attention to areas where pipes, wires, and vents enter the house. Use materials that rodents can't chew through, like steel wool, hardware cloth, or metal sheeting, to seal any gaps. Expanding foam and caulk can be used, but only in combination with tougher materials, as rodents will chew right through them on their own.

Next, check your doors and windows. Make sure all screens are intact and there are no gaps around the frames. Use weather stripping or door sweeps to close any space under doors. Don't forget to check the garage door, as it's a common entry point. The rubber seal at the bottom should be tight against the ground.

Declutter and Remove Food Sources

While sealing entry points is the first line of defense, a clean, well-organized home is a powerful second. Rodents are always on the hunt for their next meal and a place to build a nest. By eliminating their food sources and hiding spots, you make your home far less appealing. Start in the kitchen, as it's a prime target for these pests.

Store all food, including pet food, in sealed containers. Rodents can easily chew through cardboard boxes and plastic bags, so glass, metal, or thick plastic containers are best.
Clean up crumbs and spills immediately. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight, and regularly sweep or vacuum floors.
Secure trash cans, both inside and outside. Use bins with tight-fitting lids and take out the trash regularly. A full garbage can is an easy food source.

Rodents aren't just looking for food; they're also searching for nesting materials. They'll use anything they can shred, from paper and cardboard to old fabric. By organizing and cleaning your garage, attic, and basement, you can make your home much less inviting. Get rid of old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes. Store items in durable plastic bins with lids instead of cardboard boxes.

Manage Landscaping and Outdoor Areas

Your yard and the area immediately surrounding your home are also critical parts of your pest prevention plan. The landscaping around your property can either invite or deter rodents. Rodents are attracted to overgrown bushes, piles of debris, and anything that can provide them with cover and a safe path to your home.

Here are a few simple changes you can make to the exterior of your property to make it less appealing to rodents:

Trim back vegetation: Cut back tree branches and shrubs that are touching or hanging over your house. Rodents can use these as bridges to get onto your roof or into your attic. Keep grass mowed and eliminate dense ground cover near the foundation.
Move woodpiles and debris: If you have a woodpile for a fireplace or fire pit, move it at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate it off the ground. Rodents love to hide and nest in stacks of wood. The same goes for any piles of leaves, branches, or general clutter.
Secure outdoor garbage: Make sure all your outdoor trash cans have secure, tight-fitting lids. If possible, store them in a shed or another secure area. A knocked-over garbage can is an easy feast for any hungry rodent passing by.

By taking these steps, you're not just making your home harder to get into—you're also making the surrounding area less comfortable for rodents. This creates a buffer zone that makes your property a less attractive option for pests seeking shelter from the elements.

What to Do If You See Signs of a Problem

Despite your best efforts, sometimes rodents still manage to find their way inside. They are incredibly persistent and resourceful. If you start to notice signs of an infestation, it’s important to act quickly. Common signs include droppings, gnaw marks on wood or wires, and scurrying sounds in your walls or attic. You might also find nests made of shredded paper or fabric. While DIY traps and baits might offer a temporary fix, they often don’t address the root cause of the problem and can be dangerous to use if you have children or pets.

When you notice these signs, it's a clear signal that a deeper, professional approach is needed. An experienced professional can identify all entry points, determine the extent of the infestation, and develop a safe and effective plan for removal and prevention. They have the knowledge and tools to handle the problem efficiently, minimizing the risk to your family and pets.

Professional Rodent Prevention in Houston

Taking all these preventative measures is a great start, but it can be difficult to catch every single potential entry point or to handle a full-blown infestation on your own. That’s where a professional eye and proven methods can make all the difference.

Southwest Exterminating has a team of experts dedicated to protecting homes in Houston and the surrounding areas from unwanted pests. We understand the unique challenges of our local climate and environment, and we're committed to providing effective and trustworthy solutions. We can help you assess your home for vulnerable areas, implement preventative strategies, and, if needed, handle any existing rodent issues.

If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your home for the cooler months, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact us through our online contact form or call (281) 305-0637 to schedule a consultation.