When temperatures drop, rats, mice, squirrels and insects often leave gardens in search of warmth and food. These garden pests are resourceful and persistent, using various methods to get indoors. Understanding their behaviours can help prevent infestations in your home this winter.
Rats and mice are notorious for squeezing through the tiniest gaps, often just a few millimetres wide. They can gnaw through wood, plastic and even weak concrete to create entry points. Typical areas of entry include gaps around pipes, under doors and damaged vents. Once inside, they seek out warm spaces like wall cavities or lofts, where they can nest and breed.
Squirrels are less common invaders but still pose a problem. They target lofts and roof spaces, often gaining access through damaged eaves or loose roof tiles. Their strong teeth allow them to chew through barriers, making them particularly destructive. Unlike rats and mice, squirrels are more likely to bring garden debris indoors to build nests.
Garden pests in the form of slugs and insects don’t always stay outside. While some might seem harmless in their natural environment, they can cause trouble indoors. Ants, slugs, and spiders are among the most common culprits. Ants follow scent trails indoors in search of food. Cluster flies, queen wasps and cockroaches are other insects that might com indoors from outside. Even as weather cools, these insects may find their way in for food or shelter.
To keep these garden pests out, start by sealing entry points. Inspect your property for cracks, holes, or other vulnerabilities around windows, doors and foundations. Install metal mesh over vents and repair damaged roofing to block squirrels. For gaps around pipes, use steel wool or specialised sealant to prevent rodents from entering.
Maintaining your garden can also deter pests. This is especially important where plants grow up against the house. Also, squirrels can climb from branches on to the roof. With proper steps, you can protect your home and enjoy a pest-free winter season.
Our expert pest control services offer safe and effective solutions for all types of garden pests that come indoors. Whether you have mice, rats, squirrels or insects, we can assist. We use targeted methods like baiting, trapping and proofing to eliminate the issue and prevent recurrence. Choosing a trusted service ensures the problem is handled thoroughly and responsibly.
How rats, mice and squirrels get indoors
Rats and mice are notorious for squeezing through the tiniest gaps, often just a few millimetres wide. They can gnaw through wood, plastic and even weak concrete to create entry points. Typical areas of entry include gaps around pipes, under doors and damaged vents. Once inside, they seek out warm spaces like wall cavities or lofts, where they can nest and breed.
Squirrels are less common invaders but still pose a problem. They target lofts and roof spaces, often gaining access through damaged eaves or loose roof tiles. Their strong teeth allow them to chew through barriers, making them particularly destructive. Unlike rats and mice, squirrels are more likely to bring garden debris indoors to build nests.
Other outdoor pests that might come in
Garden pests in the form of slugs and insects don’t always stay outside. While some might seem harmless in their natural environment, they can cause trouble indoors. Ants, slugs, and spiders are among the most common culprits. Ants follow scent trails indoors in search of food. Cluster flies, queen wasps and cockroaches are other insects that might com indoors from outside. Even as weather cools, these insects may find their way in for food or shelter.
To keep these garden pests out, start by sealing entry points. Inspect your property for cracks, holes, or other vulnerabilities around windows, doors and foundations. Install metal mesh over vents and repair damaged roofing to block squirrels. For gaps around pipes, use steel wool or specialised sealant to prevent rodents from entering.
Maintaining your garden can also deter pests. This is especially important where plants grow up against the house. Also, squirrels can climb from branches on to the roof. With proper steps, you can protect your home and enjoy a pest-free winter season.
Our expert pest control services offer safe and effective solutions for all types of garden pests that come indoors. Whether you have mice, rats, squirrels or insects, we can assist. We use targeted methods like baiting, trapping and proofing to eliminate the issue and prevent recurrence. Choosing a trusted service ensures the problem is handled thoroughly and responsibly.