When Milwaukee’s winter settles in and temperatures drop, humans aren’t the only ones looking for warmth. Rodents—especially mice and rats—begin searching for shelter, food, and nesting materials. Unfortunately, your home provides everything they’re looking for. Understanding how rodents sneak indoors is the first step in protecting your property during the cold months.

As winter progresses, rodents become bolder in their search for survival. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, while rats can flatten their bodies to slip through gaps the width of a quarter. In an older city like Milwaukee, where homes feature aging foundations, shifting soil, and decades of wear, tiny cracks and crevices are practically an open invitation.

Common entry points include gaps under garage doors, openings around utility lines, torn weather stripping, and poorly sealed basement windows. Even vent covers or dryer exhausts can provide just enough space for a determined mouse to wiggle through. Once inside, rodents gravitate toward warm, undisturbed areas such as attics, crawlspaces, behind kitchen appliances, or within wall voids. These hidden locations allow them to build nests and reproduce quickly—often before a homeowner even realizes they have company.

Winter rodent invasions aren’t just a nuisance. Rodents chew through wires, insulation, and stored belongings. Their droppings can contaminate food areas, and they may carry pathogens that pose health risks. In a season when families spend more time indoors, these hazards become even more concerning.

Prevention starts with a careful exterior inspection. Sealing gaps with steel wool or metal flashing, repairing crumbling mortar, and installing door sweeps can dramatically reduce entry opportunities. Keep firewood piles away from the home, trim back shrubs, and store food in airtight containers to make your space less appealing. If you hear scratching, find droppings, or notice chewed materials, early action is essential—rodents rarely go away on their own.

Milwaukee winters may be harsh, but with proactive steps and awareness, you can keep your home protected from unwelcome winter guests.