Rodents are a year-round problem in Leander. Whether you’re dealing with mice, rats, or any other type of rodent, it’s important to stay vigilant no matter the season. If you’re tired of having to constantly be on the lookout for these little critters, you may be asking yourself…does rodent activity pick up during the winter in Leander? Or can you relax a bit during the colder months?

Unfortunately, certain types of rodent activity do pick up during the winter months. Rodents do not hibernate and are primarily out seeking the basic necessities of life – food, shelter, and water. While some rodents may slow down to conserve energy when it’s cold, others may become more active for several reasons.

Food and Water

As their food supply becomes increasingly scarce and water supply may freeze during the winter, rodents must often travel more and seek out sustenance in an expanded territory. They must strike a careful balance between energy conservation and meeting their most basic needs, which sometimes leaves them in a desperate do-or-die kind of situation as they search for food. You may notice an uptick in rodent activity around your home during these months, as an open trash can or easily accessible bowl of pet food will be a smorgasbord for a hungry little pest.

Shelter

No one likes to be left out in the cold, including rodents. Many rodents, especially mice and rats, may draw near to your home during the winter – leading to a definite increase of activity in your immediate surroundings! Once they make their way inside, in no time they will likely build a nest in an out-of-reach corner of the attic or the interiors of your walls. As if it weren’t bad enough to have rodents inside, you’ll often hear even more activity when they’re safe and warm in your home but still scurrying back and forth looking for food and water.

Protection

Just like a rodent’s food supply may become scarce during the winter, predators in the area may also struggle to find the food they need to survive. Rodents not only need food, shelter, and water – they need protection from predators such as birds of prey. Keep an eye out for rodent activity picking up in your area, as you could also see an increase in activity from larger, more threatening predators looking for a tasty treat during the winter months.

Rodents are a fact of life – they’re here to stay, whether you like it or not. If you notice an uptick in rodent activity during the winter months (or any months for that matter!), it’s important to quickly take action and get the problem under control before it turns into a full-fledged rodent infestation. If you would prefer to spend the winter relaxing by the fire instead of chasing rodents around your property, it’s time to call a rodent control professional. Reach out to the experts at DM Pest Control today to get rodents under control once and for all