When the temperatures start to drop, you’re not the only one looking for a warm place to stay cozy. Winter rodents—like mice, rats, and even voles—are on the hunt for shelter, and unfortunately, your home might seem like the perfect spot. 

Let’s talk about why these furry freeloaders are drawn indoors, how you can keep them out, and what to do if they’ve already made themselves at home.

Note: Don’t forget to check out our guide on how to prevent mice this winter for more detailed information regarding these home invaders.

The Rodents: Meet Your Uninvited Winter House Guests

House Mice: The Tiny Invaders

House mice are small, sneaky, and surprisingly clever when it comes to finding ways into your home. All they need is a gap the size of a pencil to slip through. Once inside, they’ll settle into your attic, basement, or walls and start nibbling on anything they can find—food, wires, furniture, you name it.

Even if you don’t see them, you might notice their calling cards: tiny droppings, gnawed corners, or faint scratching noises at night. Besides being a nuisance, house mice can carry bacteria like Salmonella, making it extra important to evict them ASAP.

Norway Rats: The Big Troublemakers

Norway rats, the most common rats in Michigan,  are like the beefed-up cousins of house mice. They’re bigger, bolder, and can cause more damage. Affecting approximately a third of Americans, they’re known for chewing through just about anything, including wood, insulation, and even electrical wires—yikes! These rats typically get inside through foundation cracks or damaged vents.

Once they’re in, Norway rats can quickly become a health hazard. They are known carriers of diseases like Leptospirosis, which can spread to humans and pets. Plus, their gnawing habits can create costly repairs if left unchecked.

Voles: The Lawn Wreckers

Unlike mice and rats, voles usually stay outdoors, but they can still wreak havoc on your property. These little guys love to burrow under your lawn and create intricate tunnels that can destroy your yard. If you notice patchy grass or small, worn-down pathways on your property, voles might be to blame.

While they’re not a direct threat to your home, their activities can attract predators or other pests. Plus, who wants a lumpy lawn come spring?

How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home During the Winter

Seal Up the Gaps

First things first: find their entry points and seal them up. Check for cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows and doors, or openings around utility pipes. Use steel wool and caulk to block these spots—rodents can’t chew through steel, so it’s an effective deterrent.

A study by the University of California Integrated Pest Management (UC IPM) found that homes with proper sealing and maintenance are significantly less likely to experience rodent infestations. This makes sealing entry points one of the most effective first steps in rodent prevention.

However, only true pest prevention experts can prevent a problem from starting. If you’ve already noticed signs of an infestation, trying a DIY may delay the infestation, but only calling the pros can truly stop it. 

Clean Up the Temptations

Rodents are all about food and shelter, so keeping things tidy can make a big difference. Store pantry items in sealed containers and clean up crumbs or spills right away. Don’t forget about less obvious spots, like pet food bowls or trash bins—rodents will find those, too.

Outside, keep your yard clear of debris, firewood, and overgrown shrubs near the house. These spots are prime nesting areas and give rodents easy access to your home.

How to Get Rid of Rodents (Humanely!)

Use Live Traps

Live traps are a great option if you want to remove rodents without harming them. These traps allow you to catch mice, rats, or voles safely. Once caught, you’ll need to release them far from your home. Just make sure it’s in an area where they won’t find their way into someone else’s house.

Check your traps regularly so the rodents don’t get stuck for too long. And if you’re not sure how to set up or use a live trap, plenty of guides online can walk you through the process. The Humane Society guidelines, for example, offer detailed steps for ethical rodent removal.

Try Natural Repellents

Not a fan of traps? Natural repellents can help keep rodents away. Peppermint oil is a popular holiday season option, as rodents hate the smell, and it’ll fit in with the time of the year. Simply soak some cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where you’ve seen activity, like near entry points, behind appliances, or in the attic.

Other options include cayenne pepper or clove oil, both of which can deter rodents without causing harm. Just be sure to reapply regularly to keep the scent strong. These scents can delay the infestation, giving your local pest control company enough time to arrive and finish the job you started.

Why Winter Rodent Control Matters

Rodents aren’t just an annoyance—they can pose serious risks to your home and health. Diseases like Hantavirus and Salmonella can be spread through their droppings, urine, and saliva. Plus, their chewing habits can cause structural damage and even increase the risk of electrical fires if they get into your wiring.

By tackling rodent issues early and using humane prevention methods, you can avoid these problems and keep your home safe and sound.

Trust Creature Control for Winter Pest Control in Michigan

Creature Control is an industry leader in pest control services, providing humane and effective solutions to keep pests like centipedes, millipedes, and sowbugs out of your home. Focusing on environmentally friendly practices, Creature Control’s experts handle pest problems carefully, ensuring a thorough solution while maintaining local biodiversity.

If you’re dealing with unwanted winter pests or need professional advice on pest prevention, contact Creature Control. Our experts can inspect your home, identify entry points, and apply targeted treatments to protect your home during winter.

To learn more about our pest control services and how we can keep pests outside where they belong, call Creature Control at 1-800-441-1519.