Mild winter could attract rodents to MS homes, experts say. How to keep them out
Warmer temperatures are forecast across the Mississippi Gulf Coast this winter season, meaning there’s a higher risk of encountering rodents inside homes, according to experts.
“Warmer winters mean longer breeding seasons, which means larger rodent populations and greater risks for homeowners — from structural damage and fire hazards to disease transmission,” a spokesperson for pest control company Terminix told McClatchy News in an Oct. 15 email.
According to experts, there’s generally an increase in rodent issues for homeowners during the winter as the creatures look for warmth and food.
Here’s what you need to know to keep rodents out of your home this season.
Signs you may have rodents in your home
Noticing the following signs can help you detect rodents in your home, according to experts at Terminix:
- Droppings and urine stains
- Gnaw marks
- Nests
- Rub marks
- Scurrying noises
Damage rodents can cause once in your home
Once inside your home, rodents can do the following, according to Terminix:
- Cause structural damage
- Contaminate food with droppings and urine
- Spread diseases and parasites
How to keep rodents away in the winter
Here’s how you can protect your home from rodent infestation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Look for gaps or holes inside and outside your home and seal them
- Seal food and water sources inside your home
- Seal potential nesting sites, like garbage, and food sources outside
