Why Winter Pest Control In Phoenix Is A Must For Rodent Prevention

Think Phoenix winters aren’t chilly enough to send rodents scurrying indoors? Think again! Even in Arizona’s milder climate, cooler temperatures can drive rats and mice to seek out the warmth and shelter of your home. These critters don’t just survive—they thrive by exploiting small gaps and cracks to make themselves cozy. That’s why investing in year-round pest control is a proactive step to maintain a rodent-free home, no matter the season. Plus, it keeps spiders and insects away, too! 

Our winters drive rodents indoors

Phoenix winters may be mild, with daytime temperatures in the 60s to 70s and cooler nights dipping into the 40s, but that's enough to push mice and rats indoors in search of warmth and food. Your home’s cozy spaces, like attics, walls, and even behind kitchen appliances, become prime real estate for these pests, particularly when natural food sources outside dwindle. Since rodents breed year-round, even a minor issue can quickly turn into a bigger problem. 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

It is much easier to keep rats and mice out than it is to remove them from a home. The most important reason for having winter pest control is to prevent infestations of rodents or other pests. You know the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Keeping your exterior protected all year is less expensive than dealing with occasional rodent infestations. 

Health risks associated with mice and rats

Mice and rats can pose serious health risks, often without you realizing they’re the cause. These sneaky invaders can:

• Spread germs picked up from trash onto your counters, dishes, and more.
• Contaminate stored food and pantry shelves.
• Leave droppings in hidden spaces, which can carry harmful diseases.
• Soak insulation with urine and ruin items in storage.
• Bring in ticks, fleas, and mites as they roam through your home.
• Keeping rodents out is the best way to safeguard your home and family.

Property damage caused by rodents

Rodents have ever-growing incisors, so they’re constantly gnawing to keep their teeth in check. Unfortunately, this habit can lead to significant damage, including:

• Creating holes to get into your home and travel through walls
• Ruining food packaging and stored belongings
• Destroying attic insulation, closets, and storage spaces
• Tearing apart building materials for nesting

The damage rodents cause can sometimes be irreparable. It’s far better to keep them out before they become a problem!

There’s also a risk of fire when rodents infest

Along with gnawing on wood, stucco, concrete, and stored furniture, rats and mice may also chew on wiring. For this reason, they are considered a fire hazard. A cut wire can spark and ignite a house fire. We don’t have to tell you what that means for your health and property.

How likely is it that a rodent will cause a house fire? The odds are low, right? Sadly, no. According to experts, about 25 percent of house fires that result from unknown causes are likely due to rodent infestations. 

Can you keep rodents out on your own?

To prevent rodents from infesting your home, our locally operated pest control company recommends the following rodent prevention tips:

• Remove rodent hiding places near your home.
• Address smells that attract rodents, like open trash cans.
• Update the weatherproofing on your home.
• Use expanding foam, caulking material, and wire mesh to keep rodents from entering.
• Install rodent guards to stop rats and mice from getting onto your roof.
• Keep the interior of your home as clean as possible to remove food sources.
• Declutter indoor spaces to reduce rodent hiding places.

Stop rodents this winter with professional pest control from Northwest Exterminating

If it’s too late for prevention and you’ve got mice or wood rats infesting your home or yard, contact Northwest Exterminating for assistance. We offer ongoing home pest control services in Phoenix, Tucson, and Southern Arizona that target these nuisance and potentially destructive and harmful rodents and common house-infesting pests. What’s more, our SMARTDefense plan includes digital rodent monitoring! 

Compare our plans and pricing below, or call us to discuss your rodent problem today!

Rodent exclusion services

Northwest Exterminating also offers a service designed specifically to prevent pest problems. Desert Guard is a specialized pest prevention service for Arizona's unique desert environment. By sealing entry points and installing physical barriers, our team proactively keeps pests like rodents and scorpions out of your home. The process includes a thorough inspection, customized material selection, and professional installation, all backed by a one-year warranty. Contact us today to learn more about our rodent exclusion service!