Updated: October 29, 2026 | Category: Rodent Prevention | Breadcrumb: Home > Pest Control > Rodent Prevention

Welcome. Use this checklist to make your home less inviting to mice, rats, and squirrels as cooler weather arrives. In Pearsall, Dilley, Cotulla, Devine, and nearby communities, fall is a good time to check for easy access to food, shelter, and warm indoor spaces.

Recent news puts the issue in perspective: San Antonio appeared at No. 49 on Orkin’s 2026 Rattiest Cities list, entering its top 50 for the first time. The ranking measures new residential rodent treatments from August 2025 through August 2026. It is not a count of every rat in the city, but it is a reminder to stay alert. As temperatures drop, rodents may look for shelter in garages, attics, and wall spaces.

1. Leaving Pet Food Out Overnight

Pet food left in a bowl can give rodents an easy meal. Even small amounts may attract them, especially if the bowl is near a garage door or an exterior wall.

Fix: Put food away before bedtime

Feed pets at set times. Pick up leftover food and wash the bowl before bed. Sweep or vacuum crumbs from the feeding area during routine cleaning. Check under appliances and cabinets, too.

2. Storing Bird Seed and Pet Food in Original Bags

Paper and thin plastic bags are easy for rodents to chew through. A torn bag can leave food exposed and create a quiet spot for nesting.

Fix: Move dry food into secure containers

Transfer bird seed and pet food into sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids. Store them off the floor, if possible. Keep the surrounding area clean and check containers for gnaw marks or spills.

Homeowner sealing bird seed and pet food in sturdy containers

3. Leaving Gaps Under Garage Doors and Around Pipes

A closed door does not always block a rodent. Worn garage door seals, gaps around plumbing, and openings where utility lines enter can create a route indoors. The CDC notes that mice can squeeze through a hole about the width of a pencil.

Fix: Inspect the lower level and seal openings

Check the garage door from inside during daylight. Replace a damaged bottom seal or worn weather stripping. Inspect the foundation and the areas around pipes, cables, and other utility lines.

Seal small gaps with durable materials suited to the surface. Use metal mesh or other rodent-resistant materials for larger openings. Don’t block vents designed for airflow. If you suspect an animal is already inside a wall or roof space, get advice before sealing its entry point.

4. Letting Garages and Storage Rooms Get Cluttered

Cardboard boxes provide quiet hiding places and nesting material. Stacked clutter can also make it harder to spot droppings, gnaw marks, or damaged packages.

Fix: Clear the floor and use lidded bins

Sort stored items. Recycle unnecessary cardboard and move remaining belongings into sturdy, sealed containers. Keep items raised off the floor and leave space along the walls so you can inspect the room.

Set a simple reminder to check the garage and storage areas each month. A clear floor makes signs of activity easier to notice.

Tidy garage with lidded storage bins and clear inspection space

5. Ignoring Unsealed Attic Vents and Roofline Gaps

Roof edges, soffits, attic vents, and damaged screens can provide access to sheltered spaces. Squirrels and other rodents may use gaps to enter or nest. Once inside, they may be difficult to see or hear clearly.

Fix: Check the roofline safely

From the ground, look for loose panels, damaged screens, and openings along the eaves. Use a ladder only if you can do so safely; call a professional for difficult or high areas. Repair damaged screens with suitable sturdy material, and close gaps without blocking airflow.

If you hear activity in the attic, don’t assume the space is empty. Have it checked before closing an opening.

6. Leaving Vegetation and Wood Piles Against the House

Dense plants and stored materials close to the exterior can create sheltered routes toward the home. Overgrown branches may also give squirrels easier access to the roof.

Fix: Create clear space around the home

Trim plants away from walls and keep branches from touching the roof. Move firewood, lumber, and other stored materials away from the house, and keep them neatly raised off the ground where practical. Remove leaves and debris from the foundation area.

Take a walk around the house in daylight. Look for spots where shrubs, stored items, or low branches meet the building. Clear the area so you can see the exterior and spot new damage.

Homeowner inspecting a utility-line opening and exterior vent

7. Ignoring Early Warning Signs

Droppings, gnaw marks, shredded material, damaged food packages, and scratching sounds at night can signal rodent activity. Don’t wait for repeated sightings. Rodents may remain hidden in walls, garages, or attics.

Fix: Check carefully and respond promptly

Look near food storage, along walls, behind appliances, and in the garage. If you find droppings, follow safe cleanup steps. The CDC advises ventilating the space, wearing gloves, and avoiding sweeping or vacuuming droppings. Wet them with an appropriate disinfectant, follow its label directions, wipe them up, and wash your hands.

Keep children and pets away from the area while you clean. If signs continue, if you find a nest, or if you hear activity in a wall or attic, arrange an inspection.

When to Call a Rodent Control Professional

Call for help if you keep finding fresh droppings, hear regular scratching, see repeated activity, or can’t locate how rodents are getting inside. Get help promptly if activity appears to involve an attic, wall, or other hard-to-reach space. Rodents can damage stored belongings and building materials, and gnawing may create additional hazards.

For rodent control in South Texas, Salinas and Sons Pest Control handles small rodents, including mice, rats, and squirrels. The family-owned company serves homeowners and businesses in Pearsall, Dilley, Cotulla, Devine, and surrounding areas.

Need pest control Pearsall TX, pest control Dilley TX, pest control Cotulla TX, or pest control Devine TX? Review residential and commercial pest control services in South Texas or contact Salinas and Sons Pest Control to request a free estimate.

Ask about affordable pest control with no contract. Service is flexible: cancel anytime, skip months, and pay as you go. Start with a home inspection, then use this checklist to reduce the food, shelter, and access that rodents seek.

Salinas and Sons Pest Control is your hometown commercial and residential pest experts. And ask about our Commercial Pest-Free Guarantee: if pests show up between scheduled services, we return at no additional charge. Not many companies like to promise that.

Salinas and Sons Pest Control. Where one call truly solves it all.