When it gets cold outside there is nothing nicer than sitting inside a nice warm home. Humans aren’t the only ones seeking this escape; rodents are looking for a warm spot as well. It is a combination of colder temperatures and reduced food sources in the winter that encourages rodents to invade over 21 million American homes each year. Most rodents survive on seeds and plants, but when winter’s freeze or summer’s drought destroys these foo sources, rodents will often look to our homes in the quest for food.

Rats and mice come into homes by way of an undersized exterior cavity in the structure. You may be surprised to learn that a rodent can fit through a 1/2 inch gap while a mouse can get through an opening as small as 1/4 inch. On top of this, rodents are naturally adept at climbing, so they may use pipes or trees to gain access to your home through high vents or utility openings. If you have rodents in your home you could be in danger. These pests are thought to be a risk to human health because of their diseases they carry and transfer through feces and biting, while they are also considered to be fire hazards due to their tendency to chew up electrical wires.