Rodent Season in the Pacific Northwest: Why Fall Brings Mice Indoors (and 5 Ways to Keep Them Out)

As September rolls into the Pacific Northwest, the air gets a little crisper, the nights stretch longer, and many of us start pulling out the sweaters and warm blankets. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones looking for warmth and comfort—this is also the time of year when rodents like mice and rats begin searching for a cozy place to ride out the colder months.

At At Ease Pest Solution, we see a surge of rodent calls every fall. Homeowners are often surprised to discover that mice can squeeze through openings no bigger than a dime, while rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter. Once inside, these unwanted guests can chew through wires, gnaw on insulation, contaminate food, and spread disease. In other words—rodents aren’t just a nuisance; they’re a health and safety risk.

So what can you do to protect your home this fall? Let’s take a closer look.

Why Fall Is “Rodent Season” in the Pacific Northwest

When the temperatures drop, rodents shift from outdoor living to indoor nesting. They’re not picky—attics, garages, crawlspaces, and even the spaces behind kitchen appliances can become prime real estate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rodents spread more than 35 diseases worldwide, either directly through droppings and bites, or indirectly through ticks, mites, and fleas.

That’s why September is the perfect time to take action. The earlier you rodent-proof your home, the better your chances of keeping them out before they settle in for winter.

5 Ways to Rodent-Proof Your Home Before Winter

1. Seal Entry Points
Rodents don’t need much of an invitation. Walk around your home and check for cracks, gaps under doors, torn screens, and unsealed vents. Use steel wool and caulk or hardware cloth to block any openings. Remember: if you can fit a pencil through it, a mouse can likely squeeze through too.

2. Keep Food Secure
Pet food, bird seed, and pantry items are like a buffet for rodents. Store everything in sturdy, sealed containers. Wipe down counters and sweep up crumbs regularly—small steps that make your home less attractive to invaders.

3. Tidy Up the Yard
Rodents often start outside before finding their way in. Trim back shrubs and tree branches that touch the house, and keep firewood stacked at least 20 feet away from exterior walls. Clearing leaf piles and clutter helps too—these are perfect hiding spots for rodents waiting for an opportunity.

4. Maintain Clean Spaces Indoors
Attics, basements, and garages are rodent havens if they’re cluttered. Decluttering not only makes it harder for mice and rats to nest but also makes it easier for you to spot the warning signs of activity (droppings, gnaw marks, nests).

5. Inspect Regularly
Rodents are masters at staying hidden. Listen for scratching sounds in the walls or attic, and keep an eye out for droppings or greasy rub marks along baseboards. If you spot these signs, act quickly before a small problem turns into a full-blown infestation.

When to Call in the Pros

DIY steps can help reduce your chances of an infestation, but once rodents are inside, they reproduce quickly. A single pair of mice can turn into dozens within just a few months. That’s where the professionals come in.

At At Ease Pest Solution, we’re your go-to company for taking care of unwanted guests—whether that’s bugs, rodents, or other pests that don’t belong in your home. Our team specializes in thorough inspections, humane and effective removal, and long-term prevention strategies that keep your family safe and your home pest-free.

Final Thoughts

Fall is a season we all look forward to in the Pacific Northwest—the colors, the crisp air, the cozy evenings. But it’s also the season when rodents are on the move. By taking steps now to rodent-proof your home, you’ll avoid the headaches (and costs) of an infestation later.

If you’re ready for peace of mind this fall, give At Ease Pest Solution a call. We’ll help you keep your home comfortable, safe, and free of pests—so the only guests you’re welcoming this season are the ones you actually invited.

Visit us at www.ateasepestsolution.com to schedule your inspection today.