Do Rodents Really Move Inside When It Gets Cold?

Yes, they do! As temperatures drop, rodents like mice and rats actively look for warmth, shelter, and easy access to food. Your home or business checks all those boxes, especially when the weather starts to cool in fall and winter. That’s why many homeowners notice an uptick in rodent activity around this time of year.

Why Rodents Head Indoors

Warmth: Small mammals can’t regulate heat as efficiently, so insulation, attics, and crawlspaces are prime spots.
Food & Water: Pantries, pet food, leaky pipes, and crumbs make homes irresistible.
Shelter: Garages, basements, and wall voids provide safe nesting sites away from predators.

Even a gap the size of a dime is big enough for a mouse to squeeze through, and rats only need a quarter-sized hole to gain entry.

Why It’s a Problem

Once inside, rodents aren’t just an inconvenience:

They chew wires, insulation, and wood.
They contaminate food and surfaces.
They multiply quickly—one small family can turn into a full infestation within weeks.

How to Keep Rodents Out This Season

Seal Entry Points: Close gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and vents.
Maintain Cleanliness: Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs quickly.
Eliminate Water Sources: Fix leaks and reduce standing water.
Schedule an Inspection: A professional rodent inspection identifies hidden entry points and prevents larger infestations.

Local Insight

Here in Dallas-Fort Worth, cooler nights in fall and winter are enough to trigger rodent migration indoors. That means prevention needs to start early, before the first real cold snap.

Paragon’s Rodent Control Approach

At Paragon Pest Control, we take a comprehensive, three-stage approach to rodent control: pre-exclusion, full exclusion, and follow-up treatments to ensure your home stays rodent-free. Plus, most exclusions come with a 2-year warranty, extendable with routine services.