Are Rodents Hiding in Your Home This Winter?
Signs of Rodent Infestation You Shouldn't Ignore
When Western New York temperatures drop, mice and rats don’t “hibernate”—they look for warmth, food, and shelter. Unfortunately, that often means your home. Rodent activity can spike in winter across Buffalo, NY; Amherst, NY; Tonawanda, NY; and Cheektowaga, NY, and the sooner you catch the signs, the easier it is to stop an infestation from growing. Below are the most common warning signs (and what to do next) to protect your home from rodents and ensure your peace of mind.
Why Rodents Move Indoors During Winter
Rodents are survival experts. As outdoor food sources disappear and cold weather sets in, they squeeze into structures through surprisingly small gaps. Once they make their way inside, they'll typically settle near kitchens and pantries, basements and crawl spaces, garages, attics, and wall voids. Once inside, they can reproduce quickly. This is why “just one mouse” can become a bigger problem faster than most homeowners expect.
Nine Signs of Rodents You Shouldn't Ignore
1) Droppings (especially in hidden areas)
Mouse droppings are small and dark, often found:
- along baseboards
- inside cabinets and drawers
- behind appliances
- in the basement near stored items
If you’re seeing droppings repeatedly, it usually means active traffic—not a one-time visitor.
2) Scratching or scurrying sounds at night
Rodents are most active when your home is quiet. Listen for:
- scratching in walls or ceilings
- movement in attic spaces
- noises behind cabinets
Nighttime activity is one of the clearest indicators of an ongoing issue.
3) Gnaw marks on food packaging or wood
Rodents constantly chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing. You might notice:
- torn food bags/boxes
- gnaw marks on trim, doors, or stored items
- damaged wiring (a serious fire hazard)
4) Grease marks and “runways”
Mice and rats often travel the same paths. Over time they leave:
- dark rub marks along walls
- smudges near holes or entry points
- visible tracks in dusty areas
5) Nests or shredded materials
Rodents build nests using soft, shredded items like:
- insulation
- paper or cardboard
- fabric
- dryer lint
Common nest locations include basements, attics, and behind appliances.
6) A strong, musty odor (or urine smell)
A persistent odor in enclosed spaces—especially near cabinets, basements, or utility rooms—can signal rodents, even if you haven’t seen them yet.
7) Pet behavior changes
Dogs and cats often notice rodents first. Watch for:
- intense staring at walls or appliances
- pawing at cabinets
- agitation in one specific room
8) Sightings—alive or dead
Seeing a mouse in the open often means more are nearby. Rodents typically stay hidden, so a daytime or open-area sighting can indicate higher activity.
9) Entry points around the home
Rodents can enter through small openings around:
- utility lines and pipes
- garage doors and door thresholds
- foundation cracks
- vents and gaps in siding
Finding the entry point is key to long-term rodent control.
What to Do if You Suspect Rodents
Rodent control should begin right away if you find signs of little critters in your home. Your first instinct might be to sweep up or vacuum away any signs of droppings, but it's actually best to avoid doing this as it can actually spread contaminants. Your first move should be to secure food in sealed containers and clean up any crumbs or grease you haven't cleaned yet. This will take away sources of food that draw rodents to your home. You should also make sure to reduce clutter in basements, garages, and storage areas.
To make sure your property is truly secure and free from pests, contact a professional pest control service. You can schedule a professional inspection to identify activity and entry points. Effective rodent control is about stopping the problem at the source—not just reacting to what you see. While store-bought traps and bait may catch a few rodents, but they often miss the bigger problems. These include hidden entry points, nesting areas, ongoing food sources, and activity in wall voids, attics, and basements. To fully address your rodent issue, contact a professional rodent control service instead of trying DIY rodent control.
Contact Empire State Exterminating Inc for Rodent Control in Buffalo, NY
At Empire State Exterminating Inc., we provide rodent control for residential and commercial properties throughout the Buffalo, NY area. If you think rodents may be getting comfortable in your home this winter, it’s worth addressing early—before damage and contamination add up. Call Empire State Exterminating Inc. to schedule rodent control service and get your home back to feeling safe and comfortable.
