As Bay Area temperatures drop in October and November, rodents begin actively seeking warm shelter. This is the most important time of year for rodent prevention — because once rats or mice are established inside a structure, control becomes significantly more difficult and expensive.
Why Fall Is Critical
Rodents are not just looking for warmth — they’re also responding to reduced food availability outdoors as plants die back and insect populations decline. The combination of cold and reduced food makes your home particularly attractive. And once a rodent scouts your home and finds a way in, others follow along the same pathways.
The Fall Rodent Checklist
Exterior inspection:
- Walk the full perimeter of your home and look for gaps around pipes, conduits, and utility entries
- Check the gap under all exterior doors — it should be less than 1/4 inch
- Inspect the roofline for gaps where the fascia meets the soffit, and around vents
- Look for tree limbs or ivy that contacts your roof or walls
Interior preparation:
- Move food (including pet food and birdseed) to sealed containers
- Reduce clutter in garages and storage areas that provides nesting material
- Check under appliances and inside cabinets for early signs of activity
When to Call ATCO
If your exterior inspection reveals multiple potential entry points, or if you’re already seeing signs of rodent activity, a professional inspection and exclusion service is the most effective step. ATCO’s rodent program includes thorough inspection, exclusion recommendations, and strategic trapping. Contact us for a fall assessment before the problem gets started.