Don’t Let Rodents Crash Your Holidays This Year
The holidays are for family, comfort food, and creating memories—not for discovering a mouse in the pantry or hearing scratching in the ceiling during dinner. But in Sacramento, where winter is mild and cozy homes offer shelter and snacks, rodents see the holiday season as a golden opportunity.
From stashing away in your attic decorations to nibbling through cookie boxes and chewing wires behind your walls, rats and mice can quickly turn a joyful season into a stressful one.
That’s why winter rodent control isn’t just a good idea—it’s a must.
Why Rodents Love Sacramento Homes in Winter
Even though our winters are mild, they’re still cold enough to push rodents indoors. And what do they find inside?
- Warmth
- Food
- Shelter
- Cluttered storage areas full of cardboard and fabric (aka nesting paradise)
That combination makes your home extremely appealing to rats, mice, and even squirrels. Here’s why it matters:
1. They Bring Health Risks
Rodents carry bacteria and viruses like salmonella and hantavirus. Their droppings and urine contaminate surfaces—and they can trigger allergies or asthma, especially in kids.
2. They Damage Decorations and Stored Items
Stored holiday decorations in basements or attics? Prime real estate for rodents. They chew wiring, shred boxes, and ruin keepsakes.
3. They Start Fires
Rodents gnaw on wires, sometimes causing electrical shorts. With homes full of lights and electronics this time of year, that risk multiplies.
4. They Raid Your Food
Cookies, snacks, and pantry goods are easily accessed by rodents if not stored securely. They’ll chew through packaging and leave contamination behind.
5. They Can Appear in Front of Guests
No one wants to see a mouse dart across the room during dinner. Enough said.
Signs You Might Already Have Rodents
Rodents are sneaky, but they leave clues. Look for:
- Small, pellet-shaped droppings near food sources or behind appliances
- Gnawed food boxes, electrical cords, or wood
- Scratching noises in the walls or ceiling, especially at night
- Shredded paper or fabric in hidden corners (nesting material)
- Musty smells in rarely used areas like attics or basements
How to Keep Rodents Out This Holiday Season
Here’s how to make your home less appealing—and harder to get into:
1. Seal Up Entry Points
Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks, gaps, and holes (especially near doors, pipes, and vents). Even small gaps are big enough for mice.
2. Store Food Properly
Keep snacks and pantry items in airtight containers. Don’t leave crumbs or dirty dishes out overnight.
3. Declutter Storage Spaces
Tidy up your attic or garage. The less stuff there is to hide behind, the less appealing it is to a rodent.
4. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Rodents can use overhanging branches to access your roof or attic vents.
5. Schedule a Professional Inspection
If you’re unsure whether you’ve got a problem, bring in a pro. Early detection = easier removal and prevention.
Why Homeowners Trust Pest Control Center
Sacramento families call us for rodent control during the holidays for a few key reasons:
- 🧰 40+ Years of Local Experience – We know exactly how and where rodents enter homes in this region.
- 🎯 Custom Treatment Plans – Based on your home’s layout, storage habits, and risk level.
- 🐾 Safe, Targeted Methods – No excessive poison or overkill—just effective solutions.
- 🧑🔧 Ongoing Support – We don’t just treat once and disappear. We help make sure rodents stay gone.
Don’t Let Rodents Wreck the Holidays
Rats and mice don’t care if it’s Christmas Eve. But you do. Keep your home safe, clean, and celebration-ready with a little proactive pest control.
📍 Sacramento Office: (916) 344-4400
📍 El Dorado Hills Office: (530) 622-4810
Schedule your rodent inspection today—before the scratching starts.
