Why Rodents Move Into Homes During Fall and Winter

A Seasonal Guide from Jetty Termite & Pest Control

As temperatures drop in the fall and winter, homeowners across California start noticing an unwelcome pattern: increased rodent activity. Scratching noises in the attic, droppings in the garage, or chewed materials around the home are all common signs. But why do rodents suddenly show up when the weather cools down? The answer comes down to survival instincts—and your home provides exactly what they’re looking for.

1. Cold Weather Drives Rodents Indoors

When outdoor temperatures fall, rodents such as mice, rats, and even squirrels begin searching for warm, sheltered places. Homes provide:

• Protected attics and crawlspaces

• Insulation that stays warm

• Hidden wall voids that trap heat

Rodents don’t tolerate cold well, so even slight temperature drops can send them looking for better shelter.

2. Your Home Offers Easy Access to Food

Fall and winter mean food becomes scarcer outdoors. Plants die back, insects become inactive, and natural food sources diminish. Inside your home, rodents can easily find:

• Pet food

• Pantry items like rice, cereal, or bread

• Trash bins

• Crumbs and spills

• Bird seed or stored holiday treats

Rodents need very little food to survive, so even minor accessibility invites them inside.

3. Seasonal Weather Creates Entry Opportunities

Rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations can create new openings or weaken existing structures. Common entry points include:

• Gaps under garage doors

• Cracks near utility lines

• Openings in the roofline

• Damaged vents or screens

• Warped weather stripping

Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, and rats can compress their bodies to fit through surprisingly small gaps. Once inside, they can quickly establish a nesting site.

4. Attics and Garages Make Perfect Nesting Spots

During cooler months, rodents seek places to breed and nest. Attics and garages provide exactly what they want:

• Warmth from heaters, insulation, and appliances

• Plenty of nesting materials (insulation, boxes, papers)

• Quiet, undisturbed spaces

Once a rodent nests in your home, the population can grow fast. A single pair of mice can produce dozens of offspring within a season.

5. Holiday Storage Boxes Attract Rodents

The holiday season often means unpacking stored decorations, many of which have been sitting untouched for months. These storage areas—especially in attics, closets, and garages—are ideal for rodents because they provide shelter and cover. Cardboard boxes are particularly attractive because rodents can chew through them to nest inside.

6. Landscaping and Outdoor Changes Play a Role

Even outside the home, fall and winter changes push rodents closer to structures:

• Overgrown vegetation offers cover

• Firewood piles become winter shelters

• Fallen fruit attracts rodents

• Cooler nights push them toward radiant heat from the home

Once they’re near the structure for warmth or food, they often find their way inside.

7. Preventing Rodents During Fall and Winter

A few proactive steps can dramatically reduce the chance of rodents moving in:

Seal Entry Points

Inspect gaps around doors, vents, pipes, and rooflines. Use rodent-proof materials like steel wool and hardware cloth.

Reduce Food Sources

Store all food in sealed containers. Clean up spills quickly and keep pet food sealed.

Maintain Your Yard

Trim vegetation, remove fallen fruit, store firewood away from the home, and eliminate clutter.

Inspect Attics and Garages

Look for droppings, nesting materials, or gnaw marks. Early detection prevents larger infestations.

When to Call a Professional

If you hear scratching at night, find droppings, or notice chewed materials, a rodent inspection is recommended. Rodents reproduce rapidly, and the longer the problem goes unchecked, the more damage they can cause to insulation, wiring, and stored belongings.

Jetty Termite & Pest Control offers thorough inspections, rodent exclusion services, and long-term prevention strategies to keep your home protected through fall and winter.

Contact Jetty Termite & Pest today to schedule an inspection and ensure your home stays rodent-free all season long.