When most people think of winter pest problems, they picture cold northern climates. But in Southwest Florida, winter brings a different challenge—rodents becoming more active around homes and businesses.
While our winters are mild, even small drops in temperature and drier conditions can drive rats and mice to seek warmth, food, and shelter. Unfortunately, that often leads them straight indoors.
Why Rodents Are a Winter Problem in SW Florida
Rodents like roof rats and house mice are well adapted to Florida’s climate. Unlike insects, they don’t slow down much in cooler weather. Instead, winter conditions push them to:
Look for stable indoor temperatures
Seek reliable food sources
Nest in attics, garages, walls, and crawl spaces
In Southwest Florida, winter also coincides with less rainfall, which reduces outdoor food and water sources—another reason rodents move closer to structures.
Common Winter Rodents in Southwest Florida
Roof Rats
The most common rodent in our area, roof rats are excellent climbers and often enter homes through:
Rooflines
Attics
Overhanging tree branches
Utility lines
They are especially active during winter as they look for protected nesting areas.
House Mice
Smaller but just as problematic, mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Once inside, they reproduce quickly and contaminate food and surfaces.
Signs of a Winter Rodent Problem
Rodent infestations often start quietly. Watch for:
Scratching or scurrying sounds, especially at night
Droppings in kitchens, pantries, or garages
Chewed wires, insulation, or food packaging
Grease marks along walls or baseboards
Ignoring early signs can allow a small issue to become a serious infestation by spring.
Why Rodents Are More Than a Nuisance
Rodents pose real risks to homes and families, including:
Spreading bacteria and disease
Damaging electrical wiring (a major fire hazard)
Destroying insulation and structural materials
Contaminating food and living spaces
Once rodents establish nesting areas, they can be difficult to eliminate without professional help.
Winter Is the Best Time for Rodent Prevention
Winter is actually one of the most important seasons for rodent control in Southwest Florida. Preventative steps include:
Sealing entry points around roofs, vents, and foundations
Trimming trees and shrubs away from structures
Eliminating food and water sources
Installing monitoring and exclusion systems
Addressing rodent issues during winter helps prevent larger infestations during warmer months when populations grow rapidly.
How Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control Can Help
At Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control, we understand the unique rodent pressures homeowners face in Southwest Florida. Our rodent control services focus on:
Thorough inspections
Identifying entry points and nesting areas
Exclusion and prevention strategies
Long-term protection tailored to Florida homes
Rodents don’t take a winter break in Southwest Florida—and neither do we. Proactive rodent control now can save you stress, damage, and costly repairs later.