Winter Rodent Prevention: Keep Mice & Rats Out During the Cold Months
Winter has arrived in full force across much of Maine. Between repeated snowstorms, deep snowpack, and freezing temperatures over the past month, the ground is frozen, and outdoor food is scarce, which means mice and rats are starting to look elsewhere for warmth, shelter, and snacks.
At Advanced Pest Solutions, we see winter rodent activity increase every year, especially during prolonged cold stretches like this one. This guide explains why rodents become a bigger issue in winter, what homeowners can do now, and when calling Advanced Pest for help is the smartest move.
Why Rodents Move Indoors During Maine Winters
Mice and rats don’t hibernate. Even before winter sets in, rodents start running out of natural food sources and by the time winter arrives:
Outdoor food is depleted
Snowpack limits movement and increases exposure
Warm, protected spaces become critical for survival
Homes provide steady heat, quiet nesting areas, and access to food — even when it’s not obvious to homeowners. Older homes and other properties with small gaps around foundations, utility lines, doors, bulk heads, or rooflines are especially vulnerable once snow builds up and the ground stays frozen.
With winter in full swing across Central and Coastal Maine, rodent pressure around homes remains high.
Signs of Winter Rodent Activity
Rodents are wicked good at staying hidden, especially in winter. Watch (or listen) for:
Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings, often at night
Droppings in kitchens, basements, garages, or storage areas
Chewed food packaging, insulation, or wiring
Nesting material like shredded paper or fabric
If you’re noticing any of these signs, rodents may already be inside.
Winter Rodent Prevention Tips for Maine Homeowners
1. Seal Entry Points (Even Small Ones)
Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Inspect:
Foundation cracks and gaps
Areas where pipes, wires, or vents enter the home
Door thresholds and window frames
Rooflines, soffits, and siding transitions
Deep snow can make it easier for rodents to reach higher up areas of the home, making winter sealing especially important.
2. Secure Food Sources Indoors
When winter limits outdoor feeding, rodents follow food smells inside.
Store pantry items and pet food in airtight containers
Avoid leaving pet food out overnight
Keep bird seed in sealed bins
3. Reduce Clutter in Storage Areas
Basements, attics, and garages provide ideal winter nesting spots.
Elevate stored items off the floor
Avoid cardboard boxes when possible
Keep storage areas organized and accessible
Less clutter means fewer places for rodents to hide.
4. Reduce Outdoor Shelter Near the Home
Woodpiles and other debris can create hidden rodent pathways along foundations.
Store firewood well away from the house
Trim shrubs and vegetation touching the structure
Clear debris where rodents could shelter beneath snow cover
5. Schedule a Professional Rodent Inspection
Store-bought traps and quick fixes may catch a rodent or two, but they don’t address how mice and rats are getting inside or where they’re nesting. Professional rodent control focuses on identifying entry points, nesting areas, and pressure points around the structure.
Advanced Pest Solutions provides rodent control and exclusion services tailored to Maine homes.
Why Mice and Rat Problems Shouldn't Be Ignored
Rodents aren’t just a nuisance. Left untreated, they can:
Chew on electrical wiring and increase fire risk
Damage insulation and contaminate stored items
Spread bacteria through droppings and urine
Professional rodent control focuses on removal, exclusion, and prevention, helping keep rodents out for the rest of winter and beyond.
Protect Your Home Before Rodents Settle In
Once they get inside, infestations can quickly become a serious headache. That’s where Advanced Pest Solutions comes in.
Our local experts don’t just remove rodents; we provide comprehensive home pest control services to keep mice, rats, and other common household pests out year-round. From sealing entry points and eliminating active infestations to ongoing monitoring and preventive treatments, we help Maine homeowners protect their homes year-round.
Serving Central and Coastal Maine, including Auburn, Brunswick, and Belgrade Lakes, our team will:
Identify and seal entry points to stop pests from getting inside
Remove existing rodents safely and effectively
Provide ongoing services to prevent future infestations
Protect your home from a wide range of common pests
Don’t wait until rodents settle in. Call now or request service online to sign up for year-round home protection.