Rodent Proofing Your Home This Winter

Wednesday 17/09/2025

Rodent Proofing Your Home This Winter

As temperatures drop, rodents seek warmth, food, and shelter, often in lofts , basements, and wall voids. Once inside they can contaminate food, gnaw wiring, and breed fast. Combine proofing with trapping to protect your home.

Why Rodents Move In

Outdoor food becomes scarce in cold weather, so mice and rats enter homes through small gaps, mice can squeeze through openings as small as 1/4 inch. Sealing entry points is the first step.

Step 1: Seal Entry Points

Inspect inside and out for gaps around:

Utility lines and pipe openings

Basement windows and vents

Gaps under doors and around foundations

Seal holes with steel wool, caulk, or expanding foam. For long-term protection use rodent mesh that they can’t chew through. Don’t forget air bricks, mesh covers (e.g., Preventavent) keep airflow while blocking pests.

Step 2: Reduce Food & Shelter

Store food in airtight containers

Clean crumbs and spills immediately

Keep rubbish bins sealed

Declutter lofts, sheds, and garages

A tidy home removes hiding and feeding spots.

Step 3: Trap Rodents Inside

Act quickly if rodents are present:

Mouse traps: Snap traps work well; place them along walls and behind appliances.

Humane mouse traps: Effective monitoring.

Rat traps: Heavy-duty snap traps for larger rodents.

Humane rat traps: Re-usable alternative.

Place traps perpendicular to walls with the trigger near the wall, rodents run along edges, so this improves catch rates. We stock a wide range of effective mouse and rat traps to help tackle infestations quickly and efficiently

Final Word

Seal gaps with rodent mesh, remove food and shelter sources, and trap any intruders. Combined, these steps help keep your home rodent-free all winter.