How To Get Rid of Rodents in Your Walls This Winter

Picture this: It’s a chilly winter evening. You’re curled up on the couch, savoring the warm glow of your fireplace, when suddenly—a faint scratching noise interrupts your cozy scene. 

Maybe it’s just the wind? Then you hear it again, a rustling sound muffled by your walls, followed by what sounds suspiciously like… scurrying. Yes, my friend, you likely have rodents in your walls. 

Gross? Absolutely. Common during the winter? Also yes.  

Rodents are among the least welcome houseguests, and winter weather makes your home the ultimate Airbnb for them—complete with climate control and easy access to leftovers. 

That doesn’t mean you should just leave them be. Rodents, famous for spreading disease, are also quite destructive when it comes to the bones of your home. In fact, it’s believed that up to 25% of unexplained house fires are actually caused by rodents chewing on electrical wires.  

The good news? You’re about to learn how to send those pesky critters packing and reclaim your walls for good. 

Why Do Rodents Invade Your Walls in Winter? 

Rodents, particularly mice and rats, are not fans of the cold. When winter rolls in, they start hunting for warmth, food, and shelter—which, unfortunately, your home offers up in abundance. 

Walls are especially appealing to rodents because they’re warm, protected, and often full of hiding spots where they can scurry freely without worrying about predators (or you, their disgruntled landlord). 

Once they settle in, you’re looking at a host of problems. From chewed wires and structural damage to contaminated food and the potential spread of diseases, rodents in your walls are more than an inconvenience—they’re a serious issue that demands swift action. 

Signs You Have Rodents in Your Walls 

Before you move a muscle, you’ll want to confirm that rodents are indeed the culprits. Here are some telltale signs to watch out for:

• Scratching or Scurrying Noises: Especially at night, as rodents are nocturnal and will be most active when you’re asleep.
• Droppings: Small, dark pellets near baseboards, in your pantry, or around other food sources.
• Nibbled Items: From cereal boxes to electrical wiring, rodents aren’t picky about what they chew.
• Foul Odors: A musty, ammonia-like smell is a red flag.
• Grease Marks: Rodents leave greasy smudge marks as they squeeze through tight spaces. 

How to Get Rid of Rodents in Your Walls

Once you’ve confirmed that it is, indeed, rodents that you are dealing with, it’s time to evict. Here are some tips:

1. Seal the Point of Entry 

Rodents are master contortionists. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, and rats only need something as big as a nickel. The first—and arguably most vital—step in rodent extermination is locating and sealing off their entryways. 

Inspect both the inside and outside of your home for cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, foundations, windows, and doors. Pay special attention to areas where pipes or cables enter your house, as these spots often provide easy access. Use materials like steel wool, caulk, or heavy-duty wire mesh—things rodents can’t chew through—to block their way in. 

Pro tip? Check your attic, basement, and crawl spaces—they’re prime real estate for rodent highways. 

2. Set Traps Strategically 

Once you block off access, it’s time to deal with the rodents still inside. Traps are a highly effective method for immediate results. There are a variety of traps to choose from, depending on your preference and willingness to handle them: 

• Snap Traps: The old-school favorite. These are quick and effective for small infestations. 
• Glue Traps: Effective, though controversial due to how they handle the rodent. 
• Humane Catch-and-Release Traps: A no-kill option for more animal-friendly households. 

Place the traps along walls where droppings or grease marks show rodent activity. Pro tip? Bait your traps with peanut butter—rodents can’t resist it. 

3. Consider Baits or Rodenticides—With Caution 

If traps aren’t cutting it, baits or rodenticides (poisons) may work, but they come with significant risks. While they’re highly effective, they also pose threats to children, pets, and even local wildlife if not used responsibly. 

Not only that, but poisoned rodents may die inside your walls, resulting in an unpleasant smell and an even bigger cleanup problem. Use these sparingly, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. 

4. Call in the Professionals 

If the infestation escalates beyond what traps and perseverance can handle, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Professional pest control services like our team at Summit Pest Solutions have the tools and expertise to deal with rodents effectively and efficiently. 

Whether it’s sealing entry points, using advanced traps, or employing environmental solutions, we’ll make sure your walls become a no-rodent zone. 

The Fastest Route to a Rodent-Free Home 

Dealing with rodents can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. 

If, after reading all these tips about how to get rid of rodents in your walls this winter, you’re tired of playing hide-and-seek, Summit Pest Solutions in Edmond, OK, is here to help. 

Our experienced team offers fast, effective rodent extermination services designed to give you peace of mind. 

Winter is here—but the rodents don’t have to be! Call Summit Pest Solutions today and take the first step toward a cozy, critter-free home.