Why Winter Brings a Surge in Rodent Activity

When the winter chill settles over St. Catharines, many outdoor animals slow down or hibernate — but rodents do the opposite.
Mice and rats become more active and aggressive in their search for warmth, shelter, and food, making residential homes one of their top winter destinations.

1. Scarcity of Outdoor Resources

As temperatures drop, natural food sources like seeds, plants, and insects become scarce.
To survive, rodents turn their attention indoors, where they can easily find:

• Accessible food sources such as pet food, crumbs, or improperly stored dry goods.

• Warm nesting areas inside garages, attics, and basements.

• Hidden water sources from leaking pipes, condensation, or sump pumps.

2. Warmth and Shelter Draw Them Indoors

Mice and rats can’t regulate body heat as effectively as larger animals. Even small temperature drops outside drive them to find warmth quickly.

They typically infiltrate through:

• Gaps around doors and windows

• Cracks in the foundation or siding

• Unsealed vents and utility openings

• Loose weather stripping or damaged seals

3. Damage Caused by Hidden Nesting

Rodents are persistent chewers — their teeth never stop growing, so they gnaw constantly to keep them short. This behavior causes extensive property damage, including:

• Chewing through insulation, electrical wires, and drywall, creating fire risks and compromising your home’s structure.

• Tearing up stored fabrics, papers, and cardboard to build nests.

• Blocking vents or ducts with nesting materials, reducing airflow and efficiency.

4. Health Risks to Families

Beyond property damage, rodents pose serious health hazards. Their droppings, urine, and shed fur can contaminate surfaces and trigger illnesses. Common risks include:

• Hantavirus and Leptospirosis – transmitted through rodent urine or droppings.

• Salmonella – spread by rodents contaminating food or kitchen areas.

• Allergic reactions and asthma – especially in children or the elderly, caused by airborne particles from droppings and nesting materials.

5. Rapid Reproduction Makes Control Urgent

Rodents breed quickly — and winter nesting indoors only accelerates their growth cycle.

• A single pair of mice can produce up to 60 offspring per year.

• Rats can give birth to 6–12 pups per litter, with multiple litters annually.

• Within just a few weeks, a minor sighting can become a full-blown infestation hidden behind walls or under floors.

Safeguard Your Basement and Crawl Spaces

When it comes to rodent prevention, basements and crawl spaces are among the most overlooked areas of the home. These spots offer everything mice and rats need to thrive: warmth, shelter, moisture, and easy access to utilities that connect throughout the house. Unfortunately, by the time homeowners notice signs of activity, the infestation is often well established.

Keeping these hidden areas sealed and dry is one of the most effective ways to stop rodents before they spread to upper levels of your home.

Why Basements and Crawl Spaces Attract Rodents

Before diving into prevention, it helps to understand why these areas are so attractive:

• Warmth and insulation – Basements retain heat, offering rodents protection from freezing outdoor temperatures.

• Dark, undisturbed spaces – Low foot traffic makes these areas ideal for nesting.

• Easy entry points – Cracks in foundations, utility holes, and vents create convenient pathways indoors.

• Moisture and food residue – Dampness and stored food or trash make survival simple for rodents.

Rodent-Proofing Checklist for Basements and Crawl Spaces

Follow these five essential steps to secure your home’s lower levels:

1. Inspect and Seal Foundation Cracks

• Examine the entire perimeter of your basement or crawl space, especially along the floor and near wall joints.

• Pay close attention to cracks around floor drains, sump pumps, and utility openings — even gaps the size of a dime can allow mice to enter.

• Use steel wool or copper mesh as a first layer for small holes, followed by caulk or expandable foam for a durable seal.

• For larger openings, apply cement filler or mortar, ensuring a tight, chew-proof barrier.

2. Strengthen Utility Line and Pipe Entry Points

• Rodents often squeeze through spaces where plumbing, gas lines, or electrical cables penetrate the foundation.

• Use metal mesh or hardware cloth to reinforce these areas.

• Apply silicone-based sealant around the edges to prevent re-entry.

• Don’t overlook ceiling openings in unfinished basements where pipes extend upward — these can act as vertical “highways” for rodents.

3. Control Moisture and Humidity Levels

Rodents are drawn to damp, humid environments because they often indicate a nearby water source.
To keep your basement uninviting:

• Run a dehumidifier to maintain humidity levels below 50%.

• Repair any leaky pipes or condensation buildup immediately.

• Ensure proper ventilation using exhaust fans or vent covers with rodent-proof mesh.

• Avoid standing water in sump pits or around foundation walls.

4. Reorganize Storage and Remove Nesting Materials

Basements are notorious for clutter — but piles of cardboard, fabric, and paper provide perfect nesting material.
To make your basement rodent-resistant:

• Replace cardboard boxes with sealed plastic storage bins.

• Store bins at least six inches off the floor using shelving units or pallets.

• Keep storage areas tidy and accessible to allow easy inspection during cleaning.

• Regularly dispose of unused fabric, insulation scraps, and paper products that rodents may shred for bedding.

5. Conduct Regular Inspections

Routine checks can help detect early warning signs before an infestation grows. Every few weeks:

• Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or shredded materials in corners and around stored items.

• Listen for scratching or rustling sounds, especially at night.

• Check traps or monitoring devices if already installed.

• If signs appear, contact Petty Pest Control immediately for a professional inspection and tailored treatment plan.

Don’t wait until you hear scratching in the walls or find droppings in your pantry. Taking action now can save you from costly repairs and health risks later.

This winter, protect your St. Catharines home from unwanted guests with help from Petty Pest Control Services — your local experts in safe, effective rodent prevention.

Contact us today or book your inspection online to keep your home rodent-free all season long.

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