How Seasons Impact Rodents in Your Home

Just like people, rodents have a seasonal rhythm. Rather than being marked by holidays, the school year, or vacations, rodents use changing temperatures to signal breeding and sheltering seasons.

During the warmer months of spring and summer, mice and rats are in peak breeding season. While rodents don't ever stop breeding, greater access to food, shelter, and breeding grounds increases the opportunities for mice and rat populations to grow rapidly. In early to late fall, food sources for rodents become more scarce with temperature drops, and breeding slows down. Rats and mice don't hibernate, but instead seek food and shelter—like the inside of your home—to survive the coming cold. This movement of mice and rats to find shelter indoors is known as rodent season. It can begin as early as August or as late as October depending on where you live and the weather conditions in a given year.

You can experience a rodent problem any time of year, so it’s important to watch for the signs of a rodent infestation in every season. Keep in mind that most rodents are nocturnal and often wait until human activity has ceased for the day to come out, so you may not actually see mice or rats until they've either multiplied or done some serious damage to your home.

Here's a breakdown of how the seasons affect rodent behavior and why you may (or may not) see rodent activity in your home:

Spring: Stop Rodents Both Indoors and Out

Spring brings the peak breeding season for mice and rats. Even with the warmer temperatures, most rodents will stay where they have food, water, and shelter. Not only that, but the increased numbers mean you may see evidence of new rodents around your home. Use Tomcat® Mouse & Rat Killer Refillable Bait Stations inside your home to handle existing rodents and outside your home to prevent new mice and rats from invading your home.

Summer: Repel Rodents Before They Enter

Between spring and summer breeding cycles and plenty of food, rat and mice populations are high. More rodents means it's more likely that one—or many—may come inside your home to find shelter and food. Some mice may begin early prep for winter by establishing entry points into your home. It's a good time to check out rodent repellents, especially if you've had a rodent problem in the past.

Fall: Get Ready for Rodent Season

 The colder weather means that food is becoming scarce. Mice and rats, with their increased numbers, seek shelter and food in and around buildings and homes after temperatures drop. Mice can fit through openings as small as 1/4 inch, so seal up cracks and crevices around your home with Tomcat® Rodent Block Expanding Foam Barrier. Place Tomcat® Mouse Snap Traps and Tomcat® Rat Snap Traps along potential rodent walkways, such as baseboards, and in potential hiding places, such as behind appliances and in closets, garages, basements, and attics.

Winter: Keep Rodents from Sheltering Inside

Winter sends rodents indoors, and while breeding may be at a low point, it never stops. Don't let mice and rats get comfortable in your home. Store food in sealed containers and don't leave trash—especially food and paper—lying around the house. Check and refill or purchase new bait stations if needed, and keep an eye on places where mice and rats might be hiding.

 Is your home ready for rodent season? Check out this guide for tips to keeping mice and rats out of your home