Rats & Mice in Winter: The Dorset Homeowner’s Guide to Spotting a Rodent Problem Early

Sophia Brading
Jan 12
3 min read

When temperatures drop, rats and mice don’t “hibernate” — they relocate.

January is one of the busiest months for rodent call-outs because homes offer everything they need: warmth, shelter, water and food.

If you’ve noticed unusual noises at night, strange smells, or signs in cupboards or the loft, it’s worth acting quickly. Rodents multiply fast and can cause serious damage before you even see one.

Why rodents move indoors in January

In winter, natural food sources reduce and outdoor shelter becomes harder to find. Rats and mice exploit tiny gaps around:

air bricks and vents
pipework under sinks
gaps under doors and garage edges
rooflines, soffits and broken tiles
loft hatch areas and eaves

A mouse can squeeze through a gap around the width of a pencil. Rats don’t need much more.

9 common signs you may have rats or mice

Look out for these early indicators:

Scratching or scuttling noises
Often heard in lofts, cavity walls, behind kitchen units, or under floorboards — usually at night.
Droppings Mouse droppings are small (rice-sized).
Rat droppings are larger (bean-sized).You’ll typically find them near food sources, in cupboards, or along wall edges.
Grease marks and rub lines
Rats often leave dark smears along skirting boards where they repeatedly travel.
Chewed packaging or wiring
Rodents chew continuously. Electrical wiring damage is a real fire risk.
Nesting material
Shredded paper, insulation, fabric, or dried plant matter in hidden corners.
A strong ammonia-like smell
Especially in enclosed areas like lofts, under stairs or utility rooms.
Footprints or tail marksIn dusty loft areas or garages.
Pets acting unusually
Dogs and cats often fixate on the exact area where rodents are active.
Sightings at dusk/dawn
Even a single sighting usually indicates more activity nearby.

Why you shouldn’t ignore a rodent problem

Rodents can:

contaminate food and surfaces
spread pathogens through droppings and urine
damage insulation and structural timbers
chew wiring, pipes and plastic fittings
create ongoing odour issues and staining

If you’ve got rodents in the loft, the problem is rarely “contained” there — they travel.

What to do immediately (before a professional visit)

If you suspect rats or mice:

Remove easy food sources (bird seed, pet food, open bins, compost access)
Clear clutter where rodents can hide
Store food in sealed containers
Check bin lids and keep waste sealed
Avoid DIY poison misuse (it can lead to smells from inaccessible voids, and risks to pets/wildlife)

How professional rodent control works

A thorough service should include:

identification of species and entry points
safe control methods suited to the environment
targeted monitoring
advice on proofing and prevention
follow-up where needed

The goal isn’t just to remove rodents — it’s to stop re-entry.

Rodent proofing: the real long-term fix

Once activity is controlled, prevention typically focuses on:

sealing gaps around pipework and air bricks with suitable mesh/materials
fitting door brushes / sealing garage edges
checking roofline integrity
reducing harbourage (stored items against walls, overgrown vegetation)

FAQ

How quickly can mice become a bigger problem?

Very quickly. Mice breed frequently and can expand from a small issue to a widespread one within weeks.

Are rats more common in winter?

Yes — activity becomes more noticeable because they seek warmth and stable food sources.

Is it safe to sleep in a house with rodents?

Health risks vary, but contamination and allergens are common. It’s best to address it promptly.

If you’re hearing scratching, finding droppings, or suspect rodents in your home or business, Pest-Clear Dorset can help.

Get in touch today for a professional assessment and a clear plan to remove the problem and prevent it returning.