Winter Pest Control Tips: How to Keep Rodents Away This Season

As temperatures drop and winter sets in, rodents begin seeking warm, sheltered places with easy access to food. Unfortunately, this often leads them straight toward our homes, sheds, and gardens. Here is Hillbans winter pest-proofing steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of unwelcome visitors.

Below, we’ve expanded on some of the key advice from our recent social media posts to give you a more detailed guide on how to protect your property or business this winter.

1. Food Sources Within Your Garden

Rodents seek where food sources are and gardens can unintentionally provide a reliable food source throughout the winter. By keeping food availability low, you can make your property far less appealing to rodents this winter.

Clear Bird Feeder Food Before Dusk

Bird feeders are helpful for wildlife, but they can attract rodents if food is left accessible overnight due to rats usually being nocturnal.

Remove leftover food before dusk.
Clean the feeder regularly.
Position feeders away from fences, sheds, or areas that rodents could climb into.

Collect Fallen Fruit Regularly

Any fruit left on the ground such as apples, pears, and plums can quickly become a food source.

Collect fallen fruit daily.
Dispose of it in sealed bins.
Avoid composting cooked or sugary fruit waste.

Maintain Compost Heaps Properly

Compost is attractive to rodents, especially if the mix contains strong smells or food scraps.

Only add raw garden waste, never cooked food or proteins.
Turn compost regularly to disturb nesting.
Consider using rodent-proof compost bins with solid sides.

Secure All Bins and Bagged Waste

Household waste can attract rodents during winter where food is limited.

Use bins with tight-fitting lids.
Store waste bags inside until collection day.
Keep bins clean to reduce odours that attract pests.
Check bins after bin collection day for holes or signs of activity (holes).

2. Winter Rodent Proofing Tips for Your Home

During winter, rodents seek warm indoor spaces. Sealing entry points and strengthening your home’s physical defences is one of the most effective long-term solutions.

Seal Gaps Under External Doors

A typical house mouse can fit through a gap as small as 6 to 7 millimetres, about the width of a pencil.

Install or repair door sweeps.
Check for wear on garage doors and outbuilding doors.

Ensure Windows and Doors Have Proper Weather Stripping

Weather stripping not only keeps heat inside, but it keeps rodents out.

Replace damaged or missing strips.
Check sheds, garages, loft windows, and conservatory bases.

Inspect the Exterior for Tiny Entry Points

Rodents can enter through cracks, vents, and even damaged brickwork.

Seal holes around pipework.
Repair damaged air bricks or add airbrick cover to reduce spaces for rodents.
Install mesh over vents.

3. Remove Attractants Around the Property

Rodents are crepuscular meaning they are active during dusk and dawn. They are also driven by food, warmth, and shelter if you remove those sources, they’re far less likely to settle on your property.

Avoid Leaving Pet Food Outside Overnight

Outdoor pet bowls attract both rodents and larger scavengers.