Hoffman’s Exterminators warns homeowners: winter is prime season for rat invasions in South Jersey and Greater Philadelphia.
As temperatures drop across South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia region, local homeowners face an often-overlooked winter threat: rats seeking refuge indoors. According to guidance from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), rodents are far more likely to enter homes during the colder months in search of warmth, food, and nesting sites. When they do, they can spread illness, contaminate stored goods, and cause significant structural damage.
“At Hoffman’s Exterminators, we see a dramatic increase in rodent calls every winter,” says William T. Hoffman, President & CEO of Hoffman’s Exterminating. “The key is early prevention and fast action — winter conditions make homes particularly vulnerable, and rats won’t leave on their own.”
During late fall and winter, natural food supplies decline and outdoor temperatures make survival harder for rodents. Rats are opportunistic survivors, and they’re excellent at locating even the smallest openings — sometimes as small as a quarter — around foundations, utility entrances, or damaged exterior materials. Once inside, they build nests quickly and can multiply at alarming rates.
Winter-Focused Tips to Keep Rats Out
Hoffman’s Exterminators encourages homeowners to take proactive steps now to avoid rat intrusions throughout the cold season:
- Seal Winter-Vulnerable Entry Points. Cold weather can weaken exterior materials, causing gaps around windows, doors, siding, and utility penetrations. Inspect your home’s exterior carefully and seal any openings with durable weather-resistant sealants, steel wool, or weather-stripping. Pay special attention to basements, crawl spaces, and garage doors, which are common winter entry hotspots.
- Protect Indoor Food Sources During Holiday Hosting. Winter often means holiday gatherings and increased cooking — and rats are drawn to accessible food debris. Keep countertops wiped, store leftovers in airtight containers, and take out the trash frequently. Homeowners should also secure pet food, bird seed, and bulk pantry items, which are common winter attractants.
- Reduce Clutter in “Winter Nesting Zones”. Garages, attics, and basements become storage hubs during the winter months, creating ideal hiding spots for rodents. Clear out old boxes, donate unused items, and elevate stored goods off the floor. Eliminating winter clutter makes your home far less appealing to rats and allows you to notice signs of activity sooner.
- Maintain Outdoor Areas Despite the Cold. Even in winter, exterior conditions influence rodent activity. Trim back overgrown shrubs that offer shelter, remove fallen leaves or debris, and keep firewood stacked away from the home. Rats frequently nest outdoors near residences before attempting to move inside.
Professional Help Is Especially Important in Winter
Because winter rodent activity is often fast-moving and aggressive, Hoffman’s Exterminators recommends professional inspection at the first sign of droppings, gnaw marks, or nighttime noises. Experts can identify entry points hidden by snow, ice, or seasonal home damage and apply targeted, long-lasting control solutions.
If you live in South Jersey or the Greater Philadelphia area, now is the time to fortify your home before winter rodent pressures peak. Call Hoffman’s Exterminators today at (856) 463-3628 to schedule a winter rodent inspection or customized pest protection plan.
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Source cited:
PestWorld.org — How to Get Rats Out of Your House, National Pest Management Association: https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/how-to-get-rats-out-of-your-house/
