When winter arrives in the Central Valley, many homeowners believe pest problems fade with the colder weather. Unfortunately, rodents don’t follow that rule. In fact, winter is one of the most active seasons for rodent infestations, especially in areas like Fresno and surrounding communities.

As temperatures drop and outdoor food sources disappear, rats and mice begin searching for warm, secure places to survive the season. Homes provide exactly what they need—making winter the perfect time for rodents to move in.

Understanding why rodents are more active during winter, how to spot early warning signs, and what steps to take can help homeowners avoid serious damage, health risks, and costly repairs.

Why Rodents Target Homes in Winter

Rodents do not hibernate. Instead, they rely on shelter, warmth, and food to survive colder months. As fields, orchards, and outdoor areas become less hospitable, rodents naturally migrate toward residential structures.

Homes offer:

• Warm, stable indoor temperatures

• Reliable food sources such as pantry items, pet food, and trash

• Protected nesting areas like attics, walls, garages, and crawl spaces

• Small entry points that are easy to exploit

A mouse can squeeze through an opening as small as a dime, while rats only need a gap about the size of a quarter. Once inside, rodents settle quickly and begin nesting.

Important fact: A single female mouse can give birth to up to 10 litters per year, with as many as six pups per litter. What begins as a minor issue in winter can turn into a major infestation in a matter of weeks.

Common Winter Rodents

Homeowners in Fresno and nearby areas most commonly encounter:

• House mice, which nest indoors year-round

• Roof rats, common in California and often found in attics and rooflines

• Norway rats, which prefer ground-level nesting areas such as crawl spaces and garages

Roof rats are especially problematic during winter because they enter homes through overhanging branches, vents, and roof gaps—often without being noticed.

Warning Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Rodents are nocturnal and skilled at staying hidden, but winter infestations usually leave behind clear signs. Homeowners should watch for:

• Scratching, squeaking, or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings, especially at night

• Droppings in cabinets, drawers, garages, or along baseboards

• Chewed food packaging or damaged insulation

• Grease marks along walls or entry points

• Nesting materials such as shredded paper, fabric, or insulation

If you notice even one of these signs, it’s likely there are more rodents present than you can see.

The Real Dangers of Rodents in Your Home

Rodents are more than just an inconvenience. They pose serious risks to both property and health.

Property Damage

Rodents constantly gnaw to prevent their teeth from overgrowing. This behavior can cause damage to:

• Electrical wiring

• Drywall and insulation

• Wooden beams and framing

• Plumbing materials

Fact: Rodent-damaged wiring is a leading cause of residential electrical fires in the United States.

Health Risks

Rodents can carry and spread diseases such as:

• Hantavirus

• Salmonella

• Leptospirosis

Their droppings and urine can contaminate food preparation areas and affect indoor air quality—posing heightened risks for children, seniors, and pets.

Rapid Infestations

Because rodents reproduce quickly, winter infestations often grow unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred.

Why DIY Rodent Control Is Often Ineffective

Many homeowners attempt to handle rodent problems using traps or store-bought poisons. While these methods may catch individual rodents, they rarely address the full infestation.

Common DIY challenges include:

• Missing hidden nests

• Improper trap placement

• Failure to identify and seal entry points

• Rodents dying inside walls, causing odors

• Continued reinfestation

Effective rodent control requires more than removal—it requires inspection, exclusion, and prevention.

How Valley Wide Pest Control Can Help

Valley Wide Pest Control provides professional, comprehensive rodent control services tailored to winter infestations in Fresno and the Central Valley.

Detailed Inspection

Experienced technicians conduct thorough inspections to identify:

• Rodent species and activity levels

• Nesting and breeding areas

• Entry points and structural vulnerabilities

• Conditions that attract rodents

This step ensures no part of the infestation is overlooked.

Customized Treatment Plans

Valley Wide Pest Control designs targeted solutions based on each home’s unique situation. These may include:

• Strategic trapping

• Safe and effective baiting when appropriate

• Ongoing monitoring to ensure success

Rodent Exclusion

One of the most important steps in winter rodent control is preventing re-entry. Valley Wide Pest Control helps seal:

• Cracks and gaps in foundations

• Roofline openings and vents

• Utility and pipe entry points

This long-term approach helps keep rodents out even after the initial problem is resolved.

Ongoing Prevention and Support

Rodent activity can return seasonally if conditions allow. Valley Wide Pest Control provides guidance and ongoing services to help homeowners maintain a rodent-free environment year-round.

What Homeowners Can Do to Reduce Risk

While professional service is essential, homeowners can take proactive steps by:

• Storing food in airtight containers

• Cleaning up crumbs and spills promptly

• Removing clutter from garages and storage areas

• Trimming tree branches away from roofs

• Keeping trash bins sealed

These steps are most effective when combined with professional pest control.

Act Before the Problem Gets Worse

Rodents won’t leave on their own when winter ends. By spring, infestations are often larger, more expensive, and more damaging.

If you’re hearing noises, seeing droppings, or want to prevent rodents before they become a serious problem, early action is key.

Valley Wide Pest Control helps homeowners protect their homes, health, and peace of mind throughout the winter season—using proven methods that work long after the cold weather is gone.