Why Rats Are More Active in Winter

As temperatures drop in Texas during fall and winter, rats become increasingly active around homes and neighborhoods. This heightened activity is driven by their search for warmth, food, and shelter, making them a common nuisance for homeowners during colder months.

Rats Seek Shelter from the Cold

Rats are warm-blooded creatures and cannot survive freezing temperatures for extended periods. During fall and winter, they instinctively seek out warm, insulated spaces to nest and reproduce. Common hiding spots include:

• Attics: Warm and undisturbed, attics provide an ideal nesting area.
• Basements and Crawl Spaces: These areas offer shelter and proximity to food sources.
• Walls and Insulation: Rats burrow into insulation to stay warm, causing significant damage.

Food Sources Become Scarce

In the wild, rats rely on seeds, fruits, and insects for sustenance. However, as temperatures drop, these food sources become scarce. This scarcity drives them closer to human habitation, where they forage for:

• Unsecured trash cans
• Pet food left outside
• Food stored in poorly sealed containers

Their persistence and sharp teeth allow them to chew through packaging, creating costly problems for homeowners.

Breeding Cycles and Population Growth

Rats breed year-round, but the search for shelter during colder months often accelerates their nesting behavior. A single pair of rats can produce hundreds of offspring in a year. Without proper control, a small infestation in the fall can escalate into a large one by spring.

Increased Risk of Property Damage

Rats are notorious for causing significant damage, including:

• Chewing through wiring, leading to electrical hazards.
• Gnawing on wood and insulation, compromising structural integrity.
• Contaminating food and surfaces with droppings and urine, which can spread diseases like hantavirus and leptospirosis.

The colder months often exacerbate these issues as rats spend more time indoors.

Health Risks

In addition to property damage, rats pose several health risks:

• Disease Transmission: Rats can spread diseases to humans and pets through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
• Allergic Reactions: Rat droppings and dander can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Parasites: Rats often carry fleas, mites, and ticks, which can infest homes and transmit additional illnesses.

How to Prevent Rat Infestations During Fall and Winter

To protect your home from rats, consider these preventative measures:

1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps and cracks, particularly around doors, windows, and vents. Rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter.
2. Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers and ensure trash cans have secure lids.
3. Eliminate Outdoor Attractions: Remove fallen fruits, clean up birdseed spills, and store firewood away from the house.
4. Trim Vegetation: Keep bushes and tree branches away from the roofline to prevent easy access.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice signs of a rat infestation—such as droppings, chewed materials, or scratching noises—it’s crucial to act quickly. Professional wildlife control services in Texas offer humane and effective solutions to remove rats and prevent re-infestation, protecting your home from further damage.

Rats become more active during fall and winter in Texas as they seek warmth, food, and shelter. Understanding their behavior and taking proactive measures can help homeowners prevent infestations. For persistent issues, professional wildlife control services can provide the expertise and tools needed to address the problem effectively.

Are you in need of rat removal? Our friendly operators at Dallas Fort Worth Wildlife Control are available now at (817) 606-7607. Find out more about our wildlife removal in Arlington and Fort Worth, TX.