As temperatures drop across Oxford County, homeowners may notice some unwanted guests trying to move in for the winter.
Jonathon Tennant, a local pest control expert with Woodstock Pest Control, says fall is a busy time for mouse activity as rodents search for warmth, shelter and food.
It also does not take much of an opening for them to get inside.
Mice can climb brick and find openings around soffits, fascia and rooflines, meaning homeowners should check more than just gaps around the foundation.
Once inside, the first clues may include droppings, damaged food packages or scratching and scurrying sounds at night.
Tennant says a trap may sometimes take care of a single mouse, but continued signs of activity could point to a larger problem.
Prevention starts outside. Tennant recommends Oxford County homeowners take a walk around their property and look closely for possible entry points.
Tennant recommends storing firewood roughly 15 to 20 feet from the home when possible.
Rats can also become a concern, particularly when nearby construction or demolition disturbs where rodents have been living.
For Oxford County homeowners, a little prevention this fall could help avoid a bigger rodent problem this winter.
More information and pest prevention resources are available through Woodstock Pest Control. (https://woodstockpest.ca/)
