Content Updated: October 15, 2025

Key takeaways

  • Pest behavior is changing. Due to warmer temperatures and shifting weather patterns, mouse and rat populations are more active this fall and winter than in previous years.
  • Increased activity poses a risk. The extended presence of rodents can lead to a higher risk of property damage and health concerns.
  • Proactive prevention is key. You can protect your home by sealing entry points, eliminating food sources, removing clutter, and maintaining your yard to reduce nesting spots.

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As the seasons change, you might expect pest activity to slow down. However, shifts in weather patterns are changing the game for pests like mice and rats. This fall, you might find more rodents attempting to get into your home than ever before, but it may not be for the reasons you think. If you notice signs of rats and mice in your home, Terminix rodent control services can help remove them and prevent future infestations.

rodents inside

Why you might notice more rodent activity this fall

As the weather cools, mice and rats typically search for shelter, food, and warmth in homes and businesses. However, regions across the United States are experiencing changing weather patterns and unusually warm starts to the fall season, which are disrupting rodents’ normal seasonal behaviors. These changes also allow mouse and rat populations to stay active and forage for food for longer periods.

If you suspect rodent activity in your home, Terminix experts can look for signs of mice and rats. If they are present, our rodent exclusion services featuring Flexi Armour™ products can help seal entry points around your property to prevent them from getting inside.

How warmer temperatures affect rodent breeding and survival

Warmer temperatures can allow mice and rat populations to survive longer, as freezing conditions are a primary factor in why their numbers decrease. These warm temperatures also provide some rodents with better foraging opportunities, allowing them to thrive without their usual seasonal decline. This is common in urban areas where food sources are more abundant.

The extended presence of rat populations and mice populations can lead to an increased risk of property damage and health concerns, as these pests are known to be carriers of various diseases.

rat in leaves

Tips to help protect your home from rodents

A proactive approach is the most effective way to protect your home from mouse and rat populations. Chad Gore, entomologist and Terminix market technical director, provided some insight into steps you can take to help prevent rodents indoors:

  • Seal entry points: Inspect your home's exterior and seal any cracks larger than ¼” in the foundation and holes larger than a dime. Gore added, “It's critical to use materials that can resist rodent gnawing. Simply using a spray foam, which is a common approach, can easily be chewed through by persistent rodents.”
  • Eliminate food sources: Keep food stored in airtight containers, clean up crumbs and spills, and ensure your trash cans are tightly sealed.
  • Remove clutter: Clear out clutter from basements, attics, and garages. Rodents use stacks of boxes, old newspapers, and other items for nesting. “The drive for nesting and collecting material for nesting is just as great as the drive for obtaining food resources. That's why removing materials that can be shredded for nesting is important,” shared Gore.
  • Maintain your yard: Trim back tree branches and shrubs away from your home's exterior and keep your lawn short to reduce hiding spots.
  • Contact a professional pest control company: Our experts understand how to get rid of mice and rats. Schedule a free inspection with our professionals – they can locate entry points and identify what may attract rodents to your home.