As the Gold Coast temperatures drops, your home becomes the perfect hideaway for unwanted winter guests, particularly rodents. Mice and rats are resourceful, and winter is peak season for infestations. Their instincts drive them to seek warmth, food, and shelter; your home ticks all the boxes.
That’s why pest-proofing your home for winter isn’t just a smart move, it’s a necessary one. At Top Dog Pest Control, we see a noticeable increase in rodent activity throughout the colder months, especially in homes with easy entry points and readily available food sources. The good news? With some targeted preparation and professional help, you can protect your home from becoming a winter retreat for rodents.
Common Rodent Entry Points
Rodents don’t need an open door to make their way in, just a gap the size of a 5-cent coin. Here are some of the most common entry points:
Roof Gaps & Eaves: Rats are excellent climbers and often enter via roof cavities or gaps in eaves and fascia boards.
Vents & Chimneys: Unscreened vents or chimney openings are easy access routes.
Gaps in Walls or Flooring: Rodents squeeze through tiny cracks in foundations, skirting boards or around pipes.
Doors & Windows: If seals are worn or screens are damaged, they exploit them.
Once inside, they nest in insulation, behind kitchen cabinets, or under appliances. From here, they contaminate food, chew through wiring, and can spread disease.
Pest-Proofing Tips
There are several preventative steps you can take now to keep rodents out:
Seal Entry Points: Walk around your property and look for any holes, cracks, or gaps. Use steel wool, caulk or wire mesh to seal openings.
Secure Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers and clean benchtops, floors, and pantries.
Manage Rubbish: Rodents are drawn to garbage. Make sure bins are sealed and emptied regularly.
Trim Trees and Bushes: Branches near your roof give rodents direct access to your home. Keep them trimmed back.
Eliminate Clutter: Inside and outside, clutter gives rodents places to hide and nest.
Why DIY Isn’t Always Enough
While these tips go a long way, rodents are persistent. You may already have an infestation if you’ve noticed droppings, gnaw marks, scratching noises, or an odd smell. That’s where professional Pest Control Gold Coast services come in.
At Top Dog Pest Control, we use expert techniques and humane treatments to remove rodents and ensure their removal. We’ll also inspect your home thoroughly to identify any weak points you might have missed and give you a tailored rodent management plan.
Winter doesn’t have to mean sharing your home with rodents. You can stay one step ahead by understanding how they enter and what attracts them. A mix of good home maintenance and proactive pest control is your best defence against a winter infestation.
Don’t wait until you hear scratching in your walls. Call Top Dog Pest Control today at 1800 737 836, your local expert in pest control on the Gold Coast. Let’s keep your home rodent-free this winter.
