The Hidden Dangers of a Rodent Intrusion
It starts with a faint scurrying sound in the walls. Then you notice chewed cereal boxes in the pantry or tiny droppings behind the fridge. If any of this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with rodents—and it’s time to act fast.
Mice and rats aren’t just unsettling to spot—they carry bacteria, contaminate food, and cause structural damage. Even clean and well-maintained homes can become targets for these persistent invaders, especially during cooler months when rodents seek warmth and food indoors.
At Southwood Pest Control, we’ve been helping homeowners in Orange County safeguard their homes from rodents for over 50 years. In this guide, we’ll show you the most effective, preventive strategies and treatments to keep rodents out of your home—once and for all.
Why Rodents Enter Your Home
Shelter from Weather
Rodents often move indoors in search of warmth during fall and winter.
Food Sources
Even small crumbs or unsealed pantry items can attract mice and rats.
Water and Moisture
Leaky pipes, pet water bowls, and condensation can attract rodents.
Nesting Sites
Attics, basements, garages, and wall voids provide quiet, undisturbed spaces for rodents to nest and breed.
Signs You May Have a Rodent Problem
- Droppings along baseboards, under sinks, or in cupboards.
- Chewed packaging, wires, or insulation.
- Gnaw marks on furniture or walls.
- Scratching or squeaking sounds in walls or ceilings.
- Musky odors in confined areas.
- Nests made of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.
How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home
- Seal Entry Points
Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, and rats through holes the size of a quarter. Inspect your home’s exterior for:
- Gaps around doors and windows.
- Cracks in the foundation or siding.
- Holes around utility pipes and vents.
Use steel wool and caulk, metal flashing, or rodent-proof mesh to seal any openings.
- Keep Food Sealed and Surfaces Clean
Rodents have a keen sense of smell and can easily detect food sources. To reduce attractants:
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Clean crumbs and spills promptly.
- Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
- Take out the trash regularly and use sealed bins.
- Eliminate Outdoor Attractants
Your yard may be luring rodents to your home. To reduce their interest:
- Keep firewood and storage boxes at least 20 feet from the house.
- Trim back shrubs and branches near your roofline.
- Avoid overwatering plants and eliminate standing water.
- Seal compost bins and clean up fallen fruit from trees.
- Declutter Inside and Out
Rodents love to hide and nest in clutter. Reduce hiding spots by:
- Organizing storage areas with sealed plastic bins.
- Keeping garage floors clear.
- Avoiding excessive piles of paper, fabric, or cardboard.
- Fix Moisture Problems
Rodents seek out water sources. Address any moisture problems, such as:
- Leaky pipes under sinks or in crawlspaces.
- Poor ventilation in attics or bathrooms.
- Condensation near HVAC systems.
Use dehumidifiers in damp areas to discourage rodent activity.
- Install Door Sweeps and Screens
Use weather stripping and door sweeps to block entry under doors. Check that window screens are free of holes and fit tightly and correctly. - Use Natural Rodent Deterrents
If you prefer a chemical-free approach, try these natural repellents:
- Peppermint oil: Soak cotton balls and place near entry points
- Cloves or garlic: Strong odors deter mice
- Ultrasonic pest repellents: Emit frequencies unpleasant to rodents (effectiveness varies)
- Set Up Traps as a Precaution
Even if you haven’t seen rodents, set up baited traps in high-risk areas like the garage, attic, and pantry. Choose from:
- Snap traps
- Electric traps
- Live traps
Check traps regularly and dispose of rodents promptly and safely.
The Limits of DIY Rodent Prevention
DIY prevention strategies can be effective when implemented early, but once rodents establish a nest, it becomes much more challenging to control the infestation on your own.
Rodents are intelligent, resourceful, and reproduce rapidly. Missing just a few entry points or food sources can leave your home vulnerable. That’s when you need professional support.
Why Choose Southwood Pest Control for Rodent Control
- Over 50 Years of Experience
We understand the habits of local rodent species and know how to locate their hidden nests and access points that others might miss. - Thorough Inspections
We inspect your entire property—attic to crawlspace—to locate nests, droppings, and structural vulnerabilities. - Customized Treatment Plans
Every home is unique. We create a tailored rodent control plan using the most effective and safe tools available. - Pet and Family-Friendly Solutions
We use traps and baits that are safe when used as directed and explain how to protect your family and pets during treatment. - Exclusion and Follow-Up
We don’t just trap—we seal entry points and offer follow-up visits to ensure long-term success.
What to Expect from Southwood Pest Control
Step 1: Free Inspection
Call (800) 780-7773 or visit our website to book your free inspection. Our technician will assess your home’s risk factors and signs of rodent activity.
Step 2: Targeted Treatment
We may use bait stations, traps, and exclusion techniques to stop rodents at the source.
Step 3: Prevention Guidance
We’ll share personalized tips for maintaining a rodent-free home and offer scheduled visits if desired.
Long-Term Prevention Tips
- Keep pantry shelves clean and dry.
- Store pet food in sealed containers.
- Inspect the attic and crawlspace twice a year.
- Check weather stripping and screen integrity periodically throughout the year.
- Keep garbage and compost tightly sealed.
By consistently implementing these measures, you can protect your home from unwanted rodent guests year-round.
Protect Your Home from Rodents Now
Rodents can turn your peaceful home into a noisy, unsanitary, and damaged environment. Don’t wait until the problem gets out of control—act early and proactively.
With Southwood Pest Control by your side, you’ll have the expert guidance and proven tools to keep rodents out of your home for good. Whether you need prevention support, inspection, or complete removal services, we’re just a phone call away.
Call (800) 780-7773 or visit our website to schedule your free inspection and get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time of year do rodents typically enter homes?
Rodents often enter homes during fall and winter to seek warmth, but infestations can occur year-round if food and shelter are available. - Are natural repellents effective for keeping rodents away?
Natural repellents, such as peppermint oil, may help discourage rodents in the short term, but they are unlikely to prevent an infestation on their own. - How quickly can Southwood Pest Control eliminate a rodent problem?
In most cases, we can significantly reduce rodent activity within a few days, with complete elimination typically occurring over one to two weeks, depending on the severity of the infestation.
