Fall is finally here which means soon everyone will be expecting increasingly cold weather conditions in Ontario. Farmers have started harvesting their crops, the leaves are changing colours and thanksgiving is right around the corner. But what does that mean for rodents and other pests? Can mice survive in the cold? Well, simply speaking yes. While everyone is preparing for the lower temperature drops, so are rodents like rats and mice. Whether that’s stocking up on food, or searching for warmer locations to reside in, regardless it’s going to create many pest issues for homeowners alike. Let’s continue to discuss how mice can survive in the cold.
How Can Mice Survive in the Cold?
Many people at one point or another have believed that mice hibernate. With that being said, there’s a lot of misconception on pest-proofing because people believed that it was unnecessary during the cooler seasons. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Mice will continue to scurry about looking for food and shelter all year round. On the contrary, they’re actually more of a problem for humans during the colder seasons. When the temperature drops, mice tend to retreat into their nests but they’ll still venture out on occasion for food. They’ll build their nest somewhere warm, safe from predators and close to their food sources. Due to those reasons, houses are the perfect place for mice to build their shelters in. They’ll also leave pheromone trails to attract more mice to your homes. Whatever crack, vent or small openings they can get through will be how they get access to your house.
Keep in mind that cars have also been known to attract animals during the cooler seasons. You’ve probably heard about banging on your hood before driving away because cats and other animals have been known to hide in the engine or under your car. Well, the same thing goes for rodents like mice and rats. Except those mice and rats are a lot smaller and harder to find. Once they’ve made their way into your cars, good luck getting them out. They can do some serious damage to your car. Be extra careful when you’re bringing items from your car into your homes. You wouldn’t want to bring any unwanted guests with you as well. All in all, to answer the question, can mice survive in the cold? The answer is yes, but not because they’re cold resistant. It’s because they make use of their surroundings and thrive.
How to Prevent Mice from Entering Your Homes
There are several precautions you can take to prevent mice from coming into your homes. As we’ve discussed before, mice will look for cracks and holes within the walls, floors and foundation of houses. Mice vary in size but can fit through holes the size of a dime so don’t overlook a small spot thinking they can’t get in. The best course of action is to thoroughly inspect your home for cracks and holes. Once you’ve identified these potential access points, you should seal them up with durable materials such as steel wool, cement or metal. Mice will chew through paper, cardboard and wood so don’t skimp out on the repairs.
Other Methods to Prevent Mice from Entering Your Homes:
- Install door sweeps to prevent mice from squeezing in through the gap
- Ensure your home is clean and free of crumbs or debris
- Install screens for vents, windows and openings to chimneys
- Keep attics and basements clutter free and well ventilated
- Keep open food in air tight containers to cut off their food supply
- Eliminate their water supply by fixing leaking pipes and clogged drains
- Keep shrubbery trimmed and cut back away from the house
- Seal your garbage bins
Contact Action Pest For Rodent Control & Removal
Now that we’ve answered the question “can mice survive in the cold?” What should you do if you suspect a mouse has invaded your home? Traps are always a good option for one mouse, but when a mice infestation occurs, it’s best to leave it for the professionals. Traps and rodent repellants can only do so much until you’re overwhelmed by colonies. A professional will be able to help you identify entry points you may have missed, point out potential concerns and overall, they’ll know exactly what to look for. After they’ve identified the problem, they’ll work with you to come up with the best solution for your pest problems.
Look for an experienced pest control company such as Action Pest Control. Not only do they have at least 40 years of experience, their company also guarantees 100% customer satisfaction. Their highly trained teams are skilled and well equipped for any pest issue you may have. Action Pest understands that confidentiality is extremely important, so expect them to arrive in unmarked vans. They have advanced equipment and innovative solutions to get the job done right. Contact Action Pest today and never have to worry about a rodent again.
