Every year, as soon as temperatures start to drop in autumn, rodent control professionals see a significant rise in calls. This is no coincidence. Rodents, which usually live outdoors during the warm months, actively seek refuge in our homes as winter approaches. Understanding this seasonal phenomenon is the first step to protecting your home effectively.
Contrary to popular belief, rats and mice do not hibernate. They remain active all year round and have to find food, water and warmth every day to survive. When outdoor temperatures drop below 10 degrees, rodents begin to migrate towards surrounding buildings. They follow the smell of food and the currents of warm air escaping from homes. This phenomenon is particularly marked between October and November. House mice, which can detect the tiniest variations in temperature, are drawn to the heat given off by the foundations and openings of buildings. Rats, which are larger and need more food, first explore bins and storage areas before venturing inside.
Rodents are remarkable acrobats and contortionists. A mouse can squeeze through an opening of just 6 millimetres, while an adult rat can get through a 20-millimetre hole. The most common entry points are the gaps under garage and front doors, the points where pipes pass through walls, ventilation ducts without grilles, cracks in the foundations and deteriorated expansion joints. Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), the most widespread species in Île-de-France, are also excellent swimmers: they can make their way up wastewater pipes and emerge through toilets or inspection chambers. Mice, for their part, are able to climb up rough walls and cables to reach the upper floors.
Some areas of your home are more exposed to rodent intrusions than others. The garage and the cellar are the first points of entry, as they are often less well insulated and open onto the outside. Lofts and attics offer an ideal refuge, warm and quiet, where rodents build their nests in the insulation materials. The kitchen and the pantry provide food. The spaces behind household appliances (fridge, washing machine, boiler) give off heat and offer perfect hiding places. Crawl spaces and false ceilings are motorways that rodents use to move around the whole house without being seen. In winter, rodents set up their nests as close as possible to the heat sources in your home.
Be particularly vigilant from October onwards. The first signs of intrusion are often subtle but distinctive. Scratching or scurrying noises in the walls, the ceilings or under the floors, especially at night, are the first clue. Small black droppings along the skirting boards, in cupboards or in the garage confirm the presence of rodents. Gnaw marks on food packaging, electrical cables or insulation materials are physical evidence. A persistent musky smell, particularly in confined spaces, gives away an established presence. If you find shredded materials (paper, fabric, insulation) in unusual places, a rodent is building its nest. The earlier you spot these signs, the simpler and faster the treatment will be.
Prevention is your best weapon. From September, carry out a complete inspection of your home. Walk around the outside of your house and seal any openings larger than 6 millimetres with stainless steel mesh, steel wool or mortar reinforced with metal fibres. Check that your garage doors are properly sealed and fit brushes or rubber seals under the doors. Store firewood at least 5 metres from the house and on a raised base. Trim any tree branches that touch the roof or the walls. Store animal food in airtight metal containers. Clean storage areas (garage, cellar, attic) regularly to eliminate potential hiding places. These steps considerably reduce the risk of intrusion.
If, despite your precautions, you notice rodents, act without delay. In winter, rodents are comfortably settled and have no reason to leave: they have warmth, food and a safe shelter. The longer you wait, the bigger the colony grows. Shop-bought traps can catch a few individuals but do not solve the problem at its source. A professional treatment combines eliminating the existing colony with sealing up access points to prevent any re-entry. At Mr Nuisibles, our certified technicians work all year round, including weekends and bank holidays. Request a free quote by calling 01 89 70 79 30. We fit around your schedule and provide emergency treatment if necessary.
