It’s Rodent Season in Snohomish: How to Protect Your Home This December

As the temperatures drop in Snohomish County, it’s not just people who head indoors for warmth, rodents do too. Mice and rats are incredibly resourceful when it comes to finding cozy shelter, and your home offers everything they need to survive the cold months ahead: food, warmth, and safety from predators.

Unfortunately, once they move in, they don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. December is peak season for rodent activity in Everett, Bothell, Stanwood and surrounding areas. Early prevention can make all the difference in avoiding a full-blown infestation. Here’s what’s driving rodents inside and what you can do to keep them out this winter.

Why Rodents Move Indoors in the Fall

When the weather turns cold and wet, outdoor food sources like seeds, berries, and insects become scarce. Rodents begin searching for a warm, dry place with reliable access to food. Homes, garages, and sheds fit that description perfectly and are the number one target for rodents.

In places like Woodinville, Kenmore, and Edmonds, homeowners often start noticing signs of rodents around December as the first big cold snaps hit. Once they find a way inside, they build nests in attics, walls, and basements where it’s quiet and hidden. Because mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, and rats through holes the size of a quarter, even small cracks or gaps are enough for them to sneak in.

Signs You Might Have a Rodent Problem

Rodents are great at staying out of sight, but they always leave behind clues. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action:

• Scratching or rustling sounds in the walls, ceiling, or attic at night
• Droppings in cupboards, under sinks, or along baseboards
• Chewed wires, insulation, or food packaging
• Small nests made of paper, fabric, or insulation tucked into hidden corners
• A musty or ammonia-like odor that gets stronger over time

The sooner you spot these warning signs, the easier it is to stop a small problem before it becomes a major one.

5 Steps to Prevent Rodents from Moving In

You don’t need to wait until you see a mouse to take preventative steps. These simple home maintenance tasks can go a long way in keeping rodents outside where they belong:

1. Seal up entry points. Inspect your home’s exterior, foundation, and roofline for cracks or gaps. Pay special attention to where utilities and vents enter the home.
2. Keep food sealed. Store pantry items, pet food, and bird seed in airtight containers.
3. Reduce clutter. Piles of boxes, paper, or fabric in garages or basements provide perfect nesting spots.
4. Maintain your yard. Trim vegetation near the foundation and keep firewood or debris stacked at least 20 feet from the house.
5. Keep your home clean. Regularly sweep up crumbs and wipe counters, even small food particles can attract mice.

These steps help make your home less inviting, but they’re not always enough if the rodents are already inside.

Why Professional Help Matters

DIY traps and sprays might catch one or two mice, but they rarely solve the full problem. Rodents reproduce quickly. A single pair of mice can produce dozens of offspring within a few months. Without identifying and sealing every entry point, they’ll just keep coming back.

A professional pest control technician from Snohomish Pest Control can inspect your home, locate nesting areas, and implement safe, effective treatments to remove rodents completely. We also help homeowners rodent-proof their spaces to prevent future infestations, even through the toughest Northwest winters.

Keep Your Home Rodent-Free This Winter

Don’t wait until you start hearing scratching in the walls. December is the ideal time to prepare your home before rodents settle in Snohomish county for the season. Call Snohomish Pest Control today to schedule your fall inspection and keep your home protected all winter long.