10 Signs You May Have Rodents in Your Home This Winter

Posted on by Annie Quinn
rodents in the winter

When the temperatures drop and wintertime approaches, rodents start searching for warm and safe places to nest. Unfortunately, that makes your home a perfect hotspot for them to retreat to. Mice and rats can sneak through tiny openings and begin to cause damage before you even know they’re there.

Knowing if you even have an infestation is the first step in being rodent-free. If you’re wondering whether you might be dealing with rodents this winter, here are the top 10 warning signs homeowners should never ignore.

rodents in winter 2025

1. Droppings in Hidden Areas

Rodent droppings are one of the most obvious signs of activity. When they’re fresh, the droppings are often dark and moist, whereas older ones are usually dry, discolored and crumbly.

You are likely to find them:

  • In cabinets or pantries
  • Behind appliances
  • In the garage
  • In the attic

2. Scratching, Scurrying, or Noises in the Walls or Attic

Hearing movement at night is another huge red flag. Rodents are most active at night, so noises after dark are often a sign of nesting nearby.

Common sounds include:

  • Scratching
  • Light scurrying noises
  • Thumps or movement overhead in the attic

3. Gnaw Marks on Food Packaging or Stored Items

Rodents chew constantly to keep their teeth short. If you notice food disappearing or packages that look bitten up or boxes that look tampered with, it’s probably a good idea to investigate.

You may see:

  • Holes in food bags or boxes
  • Chewed pet food containers
  • Bite marks on cardboard, plastic, or wood

4. Urine Odor or Musky Smell

Rodent urine has a strong, unpleasant odor that gets worse as an infestation grows. If you smell something unusual and deeply unpleasant, but can’t pinpoint the source, rodents may be the reason. Homes with larger rodent populations often develop a noticeable musky smell.

Commonly strongest in:

  • Pantries
  • Closets
  • Attics
  • Garages

5. Nesting Materials

Nests are often hidden in attics, wall voids, closets, and storage areas. Rodents build nests using whatever soft materials they can find.

Such as:

  • Insulation
  • Shredded paper or cardboard
  • Fabric
  • Leaves, debris, or other natural materials

6. Grease Marks Along Baseboards or Walls

Rodents typically travel along the same paths, so if you spot dark marks along walls or around small openings, they may be frequently traveling that route.

As they squeeze through tight areas, the oils on their fur leave:

  • Dark smudge marks
  • Oily streaks
  • Grease trails

7. Chewed Wires or Damage to Insulation

Rodents chew on anything, especially electrical wiring. Chewed wires are a major fire hazard, making this one of the most serious signs to watch for.

Signs include:

  • Exposed wires
  • Bite marks on cables
  • Damaged insulation in the attic

8. Small Holes or Gaps Around the Home

Rodents can enter your home through the smallest openings. Even a hole the size of a quarter is big enough for mice to enter.

Look for:

  • Gaps under garage doors
  • Holes near the AC chase
  • Openings around soffits or roof returns
  • Bent or damaged vents

9. Increased Pet Activity in Certain Areas

Pets often detect rodents long before humans do. If your dog or cat is unusually alert, sniffing walls, staring at vents, or pawing at certain areas, they may be picking up on rodent activity you can’t see or hear.

10. Live or Dead Rodents

If you see a rodent, even just one, assume there are more where that came from. Rodents reproduce quickly, especially in warm indoor spaces during the winter months. Catching a single mouse or rat usually means a nest is already established nearby.

Protect Your Home This Winter

It’s important to protect you home every winter as rodents can cause significant issues, including structural damage, contamination of food and surfaces, chewed wiring that leads to fire hazards, damage to insulation, and unpleasant odors throughout the home. The longer a rodent problem goes untreated, the more the infestation grows, especially during colder months when they seek warmth indoors. If you notice any warning signs it’s important to act quickly. A professional inspection is the best way to determine the extent of your rodent problem as well as steps for both removal and long-term prevention.

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