Rodent-Proofing Your Home Before Winter: 7 Expert Tips

As temperatures begin to drop in Virginia, rodents like mice and rats start searching for warm places to nest—and your home is their ideal winter hideaway. Rodents can enter through holes as small as a dime, and once inside, they can cause serious damage: chewing wires, contaminating food, and spreading disease.

The good news? You can stop them before they move in.

Here’s a practical, checklist-style guide with 7 expert tips from Sanpro VA Pest Control to help you rodent-proof your home before winter.

1. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Rodents are excellent at squeezing through even the smallest openings.

Inspect your foundation, siding, and roofline for cracks
Use silicone caulk or steel wool to fill small holes
Seal gaps around pipes, cables, dryer vents, and utility lines

Pro Tip: Avoid foam-only sealants—rodents can chew right through them.

2. Install Door Sweeps and Weather Stripping

Gaps under doors and around windows are open invitations to mice.

Install door sweeps on all exterior doors
Use weather stripping around windows and basement doors
Check for light shining through at night—that’s a sign of an entry point

3. Keep the Perimeter Clear

Rodents use landscaping as cover to get closer to your home.

Trim tree branches at least 3 feet from your roof
Cut back shrubs touching exterior walls
Keep mulch and debris away from the foundation

4. Declutter Basements, Garages, and Attics

Rodents love undisturbed spaces to build nests.

Store items in sealed plastic bins (not cardboard)
Regularly clean and inspect storage areas
Avoid letting clutter build up in corners

5. Secure Food and Trash

Rodents can survive on crumbs—and they have an incredible sense of smell.

Store dry food in airtight containers
Clean up crumbs and spills immediately
Use tight-fitting lids on trash and recycling bins (indoors and out)

6. Eliminate Moisture Sources

Just like humans, rodents need water to survive.

Fix leaking faucets, pipes, and appliances
Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements
Check for standing water in trays under appliances or near HVAC units

7. Schedule a Professional Rodent Inspection

Even with great prevention, rodents are sneaky. A licensed technician can:

Identify hidden entry points you may miss
Spot early signs of rodent activity (droppings, grease marks, gnawing)
Apply safe and effective rodent control methods

At Sanpro VA Pest Control, we offer seasonal rodent inspections and prevention plans tailored for Virginia homes.

Why You Should Act Before Winter Hits

Rodents reproduce quickly. One pair of mice can produce dozens of offspring in a single season. The earlier you secure your home, the easier and cheaper it is to avoid an infestation.

Final Checklist: Rodent-Proofing Essentials

Seal entry points (cracks, gaps, holes)

Install door sweeps and weather stripping

Clear clutter and trim outdoor vegetation

Store food and trash securely

Eliminate water sources

Inspect storage areas regularly

Schedule a professional inspection

Don’t Let Rodents Make Your Home Theirs

The best time to prevent rodents is before they move in. If you wait until you hear scratching in the walls, it may already be a full-blown infestation.

Sanpro VA Pest Control is here to help you protect your home and family with proven, pet-safe rodent control solutions. Contact us today for a fall rodent inspection and peace of mind all winter long.