Autumn Rat Rush: What Attracts Rodents Into Homes
As the temperatures drop, you might not be the only one looking forward to the cosiness of your home in the autumn. Rats, too, have their reasons for seeking shelter.
The changing weather and environmental factors drive these rodents to venture closer to human habitations, leading to potential infestations.
The reasons behind this ‘autumn invasion’ of rats and make homes & businesses attractive to them during this time of the year.
Understanding their behaviour is the first step toward effective rat prevention and maintaining a rat-free home throughout the autumn and winter in Hampshire.
Rats, like many other pests, tend to infest homes during the autumn months for several reasons:
Cooler Weather: As the weather cools down in the fall, rats seek shelter to stay warm. Your home provides a comfortable and insulated environment for them to escape the dropping temperatures.
Food Scarcity: During the autumn, there may be a decrease in the availability of natural food sources for rats, such as grains and seeds from fields. This scarcity drives them to search for alternative food sources, including the food stored in homes.
Breeding Season: Rats have a higher breeding rate during the warmer months, and by autumn, populations may have grown significantly. As a result, there can be overcrowding in existing nests, leading some rats to venture out in search of new nesting sites, which can include homes.
Harvest Season: In rural areas, the autumn season often corresponds to the harvest of crops. Rats are attracted to stored grains and agricultural products, making farms and nearby homes potential targets for infestations.
Easier Access: As the vegetation outside dies back, it can make it easier for rats to access homes. Overgrown vegetation during the warmer months may have provided a natural barrier, but in the fall, this barrier is reduced.
Seeking Water Sources: Rats, like all animals, need water to survive. During dry spells in the autumn, they may venture closer to human habitations in search of water sources, making homes an attractive destination.
To prevent rat infestations during the autumn months, it’s essential to take proactive measures.
Seal any potential entry points, keep food stored securely, and maintain good hygiene practices in and around your home.
If you suspect a rat infestation, it’s crucial to address it promptly to prevent it from becoming a more significant problem.
Autumn Rodent Control With HWPC
HWPC’s squirrel control technicians provide discreet and professional services when attending homes or businesses in Bordon & Petersfield that may have a problem with rats or other types of rodent infestations.
As registered NPTA members, we adhere to the standards set by thinkwildlife.org, we follow industry best practices and the CRRU code for the treatment of rodents or other pests you may find.
Additionally, we offer competitive prices for DBS-certified pest control attendance in schools or care homes, beating national ‘brand’ quotes for rat/rodent control in East Hampshire.
For those seeking pest control or rodent detection, our services cover several Hampshire towns, including Bordon, Alton, Haslemere, Petersfield and Farnham. Contact HWPC for a friendly professional and discrete squirrel control services.
Coming To Stay: Detecting Rodent Infestations
Early detection of rodent infestations in your business is essential for prompt action and minimizing potential damage or health risks. In this guide, we’ll explore key signs and indicators that can help you identify and address rodent infestations before they become a significant problem for your business operations. By staying vigilant and knowing what to look for, you can protect your premises, inventory, and the well-being of your employees and customers.”
- Look for droppings: Mice and rats leave numerous droppings, with mice producing around 80 per day and brown rats about 40.
- Check for smear marks: Oily fur leaves dirty smear marks along their travel routes.
- Watch for gnawing damage: Rodents often gnaw on holes, cables, packaging, and food products.
- Identify rodent runs: These are common pathways rodents use to navigate a property.
- Search for nests and hiding spots: Rodents can nest in undisturbed areas like roof voids, underfloor spaces, ducts, and cavity walls.
- Spot live or dead rodents. Note unusual smells: Mice urinate frequently, creating an ammonia-like odor.
- Listen for noises: Rodents may make scampering, gnawing, scratching, and squeaking sounds in hidden locations.
Old School Natural Repellents For Rodents
Old World natural repellents or wife’s tales? Supposibly time-tested remedies can effectively discourage the presence of unwelcome guests. Here are a couple of traditional options, drawing inspiration from ‘Old School’ Victorian techniques. – We don’t know how successful these might be!
Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil is a popular natural repellent for rodents. Its strong scent is known to be unpleasant for mice and rats. The practice was to soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and strategically place them in areas where there was suspected rodent activity. The pungent aroma of peppermint acted as a deterrent, encouraging rodents to stay away from those areas.
Ammonia-Soaked Rags: Ammonia is/was another household item that could be used as a rodent repellent. Rags or cloths were soaked in ammonia and placed in areas where rodents are likely to enter or nest. The pungent odour of ammonia made these areas less appealing to rodents, encouraging them to seek shelter elsewhere.
