Today is the first cold “snap” after a blisteringly hot August, which means Fall and Winter are around the corner. Those cooler temperatures also mean Austin’s “rodent season” is around the corner.

Rodents in Austin

Rats, mice and other vermin often move indoors seeking a warmer place to winter as the temperatures drop. There are fewer food sources available outside so there is less reason for them to be out hunting for food. They will increasingly move near and into structures looking for heat and nourishment.

In addition to being uninvited, they can be quite rude as house guests. They can potentially chew wires, leave droppings along their walkways, chew holes in walls, insulation or other areas and leave oily marks on surfaces where they travel frequently.

Gross.

So as cooler temperatures arrive, stay alert to these scurrying pests! Rats and mice, and even squirrels and raccoons, can find their way into your home. Rats and mice in particular are adept at discovering or taking advantage of very small openings, as little as 1/4 of an inch in diameter! Double gross.

Signs of Rats In A Home

Here are signs you may have rodents inside your home:

• Droppings – Rat dropping kind of look like dark brown rice, but tapered at the ends. It’s usually found in places where they have been feeding.
• Tracks – Besides foot & tail prints in dusty spots you may also see greasy marks left on walls and floors from the oil their bodies secrete.
• Burrows – You may find their burrows as holes dug in the ground or gnawed into wood or drywall or attic insulation.
• Urine – Stains and odors are another strong indicator of a current rodent infestation.

Keeping Rodents Out Of Your Home

• Rodents can get into entry points that are 1/4″ or larger so sealing cracks and openings in foundations and any openings for water pipes, electric wires, sewer pipes, drain spouts, and vents is a must.
• Make sure doors, windows, and screens fit tightly.
• Their edges can be covered with sheet metal if gnawing is a problem.
• Hardware cloth, wire screen, and lightweight sheet metal are great materials for plugging up gaps and holes.
• Rats can gnaw away wood, caulking & expandable foam, so they are not as durable.
• Rats can climb very well so openings/vents on the roof and roof line can’t be overlooked.

Rodent Treatment for Your Austin Home

If you see any of the above signs or need a professional inspection, baiting and sealing up of your structure, call our rodent experts at (512) 443-0123 or fill out an online rodent inspection form for a fast quote and appointment.