Winter Rodent Invasions: Why Mice Love Virginia Homes in December
December in Central Virginia may bring holiday cheer, cooler weather, and cozy evenings—but it also brings an unwelcome houseguest: rodents seeking warmth. As temperatures drop, mice and rats become especially motivated to get indoors, and once they’re inside, they reproduce quickly and cause costly damage.
Winter is the peak season for rodent infestations in Virginia, and understanding why they invade—and how to stop them—can help homeowners protect their space before the holidays get hectic.
Why Rodents Move In During December
Rodents are survival-driven creatures, and December offers the perfect storm of conditions that push them inside:
- Cold Weather
When overnight temps dip into the 30s, mice begin searching for any warm, insulated place.
Unfortunately, your home offers everything they want—heat, shelter, and quiet hiding spots. - Holiday Clutter & Food Sources
Gift wrapping supplies, storage bins, and boxes make ideal nesting materials.
Plus, holiday baking, snacks, and leftovers create irresistible scents. - Easy Entry Points
Mice can squeeze through openings as tiny as a pencil eraser.
Gaps around doors, crawl space vents, siding, and garage doors are prime entry points.
Signs You May Have a Winter Rodent Problem
Before an infestation grows, you may notice:
- Droppings near cabinets, attics, or pantries
- Sounds of scratching or scurrying at night
- Chewed bags, boxes, or wires
- Pet behavior changes (staring at walls or sniffing unusual areas)
Finding damage early prevents electrical hazards, contamination, and costly repairs.
How to Keep Rodents Out This Winter
Here are preventive steps every Central VA homeowner should take:
Seal All Entry Points
Focus on cracks in foundations, gaps under doors, and openings around utilities.
Store Food Properly
Use airtight containers and clean up crumbs immediately.
Eliminate Clutter
Keep storage areas tidy and avoid cardboard boxes—rodents love them.
Maintain the Crawl Space
Have insulation checked, repair moisture issues, and protect the space with rodent barriers.
When to Call Pest Now of Central VA
Rodents reproduce rapidly—one pair can produce hundreds in a year.
If you hear activity or see signs of damage, professional help is essential.
Pest Now of Central VA offers:
- Full inspections
- Exclusion sealing
- Safe, effective rodent removal
- Long-term prevention solutions
Don’t let mice ruin your winter—protect your home now.
Give us a call or visit PestNowCVA.com
