As the temperature cools in Frisco, homeowners notice an unwelcome trend of rodents entering their garages. With a bustling population already exceeding 200,000 in 2023, much of the suburban expansion has resulted in the construction of new homes with garages, providing over-wintering habitats for mice and rats. These areas offer everything rodents desire: shelter from North Texas’ erratic cold snaps, a repository of stored food items, and ample nesting materials from boxes and other belongings.
Your garage may seem secure, but just a small opening around the door, utility lines, and vents can provide access. Once they gain entry, rodents can destroy vehicles, contaminate stored goods, and even chew through electrical wiring. If you hear scratching sounds or see droppings in your garage storage, contact romneypestcontrol.com immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading to your house.
Why Rodents Are More Likely to Invade Garages During Cool Weather
In Frisco, rodent activity peaks from November to February, when cooler weather triggers our local survival instincts. As temperatures outdoors fall below 50°F, rats and mice search for a warm shelter, and your garage becomes their first stop.
This is what makes garages so appealing for critters this time of the year:
- Temperature regulation – Garages can be warmer than the outdoor air temperature, particularly for heated homes with attached garages.
- Food accessibility – Pet food bags, birdseed, and even stored grass seed in garages provide a tempting, easy meal
- Nesting materials – Cardboard boxes, old clothes, and insulation provide ideal materials for constructing warm nests
- Limited human activity – Many Frisco residents park in their garages, leaving the rodents undisturbed in the corners and any items stacked for storage
Your garage is better than any place outside in winter; you have warmth and resources readily available.
How You Can Prevent Rodent Invasion in Winters in Garages
- Seal Entry Points
Take a stroll through your garage and check for spaces bigger than a quarter-inch. Rodents can really fit through a hole much smaller than most people realize. Seal gaps around pipes, vents, and utility lines entering your garage with steel wool and caulk.
- Organize and Elevate Storage
Instead of cardboard boxes, store items in airtight plastic containers. Elevate everything above the garage floor to a minimum of six inches. Pest management details indicate that up to 70% of rodent attraction can be minimized through proper storage practices.
- Maintain Cleanliness
Regularly sweep out your garage and remove any potential food sources. Place pet food, birdseed, and grass seed in metal containers with tight-fitting lids. Clean up any spills immediately.
- Install Door Sweeps
The gaps you see under many Frisco garage doors are significant enough for mice to waltz on inside. That makes a door sweep an effective barrier against this persistent invader.
Importance of Professional Help!
DIY prevention will help; however, if a rodent issue is already established in Frisco garages, professional help is needed. Romney Pest Control understands that North Texas homeowners face unique challenges in fall and winter pest control. With the growth of Frisco and the continued development of the North Tollway corridor, alongside miles of open spaces, the community has dealt with unique pest pressures for years. Their technicians are familiar with where rodents tend to enter nearby garages and the most likely species to be found in Collin County. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they evaluate the unique weaknesses of each garage, from spaces around soffit lighting to weaknesses in foundation walls. Their aftercare service also guarantees that rodents will not return, which is particularly practical in a city where new buildings constantly disrupt animal habitats and attract rodents to developed areas.
Take Action Today!
Prevent rodents from doing irreparable harm to your garage or getting into your house. Winter weather in Frisco allows those pests to hunker down in the places they love to call home. Reach out to a trusted local pest control technician for garage inspections, identification of entry points, and pest control services to prepare your property for optimal protection.
