Cold Snaps in Houston: How Rodents Sneak into Your Home (and How to Stop Them)

As temperatures in Houston and the surrounding areas take a nosedive during winter cold snaps, we're not the only ones looking for a warm place to stay. Rodents—specifically roof rats, Norway rats, and house mice—are actively seeking shelter from the chill, and your home offers the perfect cozy retreat.

Why Cold Snaps in Houston Push Rodents Indoors
While Houston winters are generally mild, sudden freeze events and cold snaps trigger a survival instinct in local wildlife. Rodents that are typically content living in trees, vegetation, or outdoor burrows suddenly find themselves at risk.

In neighborhoods across Houston, from the older historic districts with pier-and-beam foundations to newer developments in Katy and Cypress near open fields, rodents are opportunistic. They sense the heat escaping from your home and will work tirelessly to find a way inside. The sudden drop in temperature is the primary catalyst for the "rodent rush" we see every winter season.

Signs You May Have Rodents in Your Houston Home
Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime to enter your home.
Common signs of a rodent infestation include:

• • **Droppings:** Found in cupboards, attics, or along baseboards.
• • **Noises:** Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings, especially at night.
• • **Gnaw marks:** On wood, plastic, or food packaging.
• • **Rub marks:** Greasy smudges along lower walls where rodents travel.
• • **Nesting material:** Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.
• • **Pet behavior:** Unusual excitement or staring at specific walls or cabinets.

How Rodents Sneak Into Houston Homes
Professional exclusion involves sealing even the smallest gaps to prevent re-entry.
Professional exclusion involves sealing even the smallest gaps to prevent re-entry.
You might be surprised at how small of an opening a rodent needs to enter your home. A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, while a rat only needs an opening the size of a quarter.

Common entry points in Houston-area homes include:

• • **Garage Doors:** Worn weather stripping allows easy access.
• • **AC Lines:** Gaps where refrigerant lines enter the siding.
• • **Roofline & Soffits:** Roof rats are excellent climbers and exploit gaps in eaves.
• • **Weep Holes:** Essential for brick homes but a highway for pests if not screened.
• • **Door Gaps:** Even a small gap under a back door is an open invitation.
• • **Attic Vents:** Torn screens provide direct access to insulation.

Health Risks and Damage Caused by Rodents
Beyond the "creep" factor, rodents pose serious risks to both your property and your health. They are notorious for chewing through electrical wiring, which is a significant fire hazard—especially in attics where dry insulation is present.

Health-wise, rodents can contaminate food sources and surfaces with urine and feces. They are vectors for diseases and can introduce parasites like fleas and ticks into your living environment. In our humid Houston climate, rodent droppings can also contribute to poor indoor air quality and unpleasant odors that are difficult to remove.

How to Help Prevent Rodent Problems During Cold Snaps

• Seal all visible gaps and cracks in your home's exterior with steel wool and caulk.
• Install mesh screens over attic vents and weep holes.
• Trim tree limbs back at least 6-8 feet from your roofline to prevent roof rats from jumping onto your home.
• Store food (including pet food) in sealed, airtight containers.
• Reduce clutter in attics and garages to eliminate hiding spots.
• Inspect your home's perimeter regularly, especially after temperature drops.

When to Call a Professional in the Houston Area
Rodent infestations in attic insulation require professional removal
While DIY prevention is helpful, an active infestation is often difficult to control without professional help. If you hear ongoing noises, see repeated signs of droppings, or smell persistent odors, it's time to call the experts.

At Alli Pest Control, we serve the entire Houston area—including The Woodlands, Spring, Cypress, and Katy. Our team doesn't just trap rodents; we perform thorough inspections to identify entry points, provide exclusion services to seal your home, and ensure the infestation is fully resolved. Don't let cold weather guests become permanent residents.

Alli Pest Control

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