Winter and fall tend to be the seasons when most homeowners find mice in their homes. It makes sense because the tiny rodents are trying to find warm homes for the cold months ahead. Understanding why rodents might invade your home in the summer can help you prevent many problems associated with mice and other small creatures. The problem may be exacerbated this year due to the pandemic conditions. Here are some things to keep in mind.

What Types of Conditions Bring Rodents in the Summer Months?

The summer months can be stressful for mice. The heat and humidity affect animals as much as humans. In June and July, mice might move from their cozy attic homes to a cooler location, such as your basement. Rodents tend to be more active during warm months, moving around to stay safe and find food. Mice can reproduce all year long, but the summer months are when they are most active. The gestation period for a mouse is around 21 days. Female mice can reproduce when they’re only six weeks old. It doesn’t take long for two mice to become 10, 20 or even more.

Are Rodents More Active During the Pandemic?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a surge in rodent activity under COVID-19 closures. Restaurants and other establishments that provided food and waste for rodents to forage have been closed. Mice and rats have been forced to search in new places for food. Some jurisdictions are reporting more sightings of rodents because people haven’t been outside as much. Homeowners are staying home more, too. You may be more aware of rodents or pests in your home than you were before. Rodent control is more important than ever before to keep a healthy home environment.

What Can You Do to Prevent Rodents From Moving Into Your Home?

Mice and rodents look for the tiniest holes to get into your home with the use of their keen sense of smell. Rodents are notorious for chewing and gnawing. They can enlarge an entryway to make it easier to get into your home. Once in your home, they can cause plenty of damage by chewing up insulation and electrical wiring, leaving droppings and contaminating food. To prevent rodents in your home:

• Reduce food sources – don’t leave any food on your counters in open containers. Pick up cat and dog food.
• Caulk cracks and gaps around your home.
• Replace torn window screens and weatherstripping.
• Remove vegetation that lets rodents hide near your home. Keep grass cut short.
• Secure trash can lids and clean out trash cans regularly to prevent smells that attract wildlife.
• Monitor your home for signs of wildlife – Look for droppings. Pay attention to musky smells or aromas that seem off. Listen for scurrying in the walls.

How Is Truly Nolen Responding to COVID-19 and Rodent Control?

Pest control is an essential service. Truly Nolen is continuing to provide rodent control through the pandemic, with a few changes to our business model. Our commitment is to keep your home pest-free while protecting your family. Here’s what we’re offering:

• No contact service; simply give vocal approval to avoid having to touch the handheld device.
• Exterior-only services in which our technicians treat entry points and place bait around the yard.
• We provide a new pair of nitrile gloves for our technicians at every home.
• If interior services are required, technicians wear face masks and gloves, in addition to their long-sleeve shirts and pants. We minimize exposure at every point.

If you see signs of mice, you probably have more than you realize. Contact Truly Nolen today or use our online form to request service. We’ll help you find the right solution for pest control in your home.