How To Prevent Rodents From Crashing Your Christmas Party

NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING… OR WAS THERE?

The stockings are hung, the cocoa’s hot, and Bing Crosby’s on repeat. But while you’re decking the halls, some uninvited guests may be planning a little holiday gathering of their own — right inside your walls.

That’s right. As temperatures drop, rats and mice start looking for warmth, food, and shelter. And if your home smells like cinnamon candles and sugar cookies, they’ll RSVP “yes” faster than you can say Silent Night.

Rats! (Not so) Fun Facts:

Rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter and have Olympic-level jumping, swimming, and climbing skills. That means your attic, basement, or pantry door might not be as secure as you think. They don’t hibernate, and they don’t take Christmas off. In fact, winter is prime time for rats to find cozy corners to nest — attics, crawl spaces, and garages are all five-star accommodations.

Mice! Masters of Mischief

Mice can fit through holes the size of a dime and leave behind droppings, chewed wires, and gnawed wrapping paper as calling cards. If you’ve ever wondered who got to your stash of peanut butter blossoms before Santa did, it might not have been the children. They’re also nocturnal, so if you hear scratching or scurrying in the middle of the night, that’s not Dasher or Dancer on the roof — it’s more likely Mickey and friends in your attic insulation.

Where They Hide: Rodent Rendezvous Spots

When rodents move in for winter, they go straight for the good stuff. Common hiding and nesting areas include:

• Pantries: Warm, dark, and full of food (a.k.a. paradise)
• Garages:: Shelves, storage bins, and boxes make perfect nests.
• Attics and crawl spaces: Out of sight, out of mind — until you hear scratching.
• Behind appliances: That warm space behind your oven? A rodent Airbnb.

How to Keep the Creatures from Stirring

• Seal the Cracks: Don’t let rodents “sleigh” right in. Even the tiniest gap is an open chimney for pests. Check around vents, doors, and foundations to make sure only Santa can get through this season.
• Tidy Up:: Keep your counters merry, not messy. Wipe up crumbs and store food like it’s wrapped for Christmas morning — sealed tight and out of sight.
• Take Out the Trash: ’Tis the season for giving — just not leftovers to rodents. Empty those bins regularly, and don’t leave gift-wrapped snacks (aka garbage bags) waiting under the tree or by the curb.
• Trim the Tinsel (and the Trees) Deck the halls, not the house exterior. Overgrown shrubs and tree limbs make perfect “runways” for rodents. Keep them trimmed so pests can’t dash away to your door.

WHY HAVARD?

Because pests don’t take holidays, but Havard Pest Control doesn’t either.

For over 75 years, we’ve helped families across the Southeast protect what matters most through every season. Our trained technicians know how to find rodent entry points, remove infestations, and prevent future problems before they start.

When it comes to winter pest control and holiday rodent prevention, there’s only one name you need to remember: Havard.

Protect your home this holiday season—schedule your free inspection today.

[schedule online]  |  [800-898-0264]

REFERENCES

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rodents – Healthy Housing Reference Manual.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Integrated Pest Management for Homeowners: Rodents.
• National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Rodent Awareness Week Fact Sheet.