Don't Let Rodents Winter Indoors: Fall Rodent Prevention Tips in Idaho

Don’t Let Rodents Winter Indoors: Fall Rodent Prevention Tips

10-6-2025

Homes in Idaho most commonly experience rodent infestations during colder months, beginning in fall. As outdoor temperatures cool, mice and rats are driven inside houses, where it’s warm and they’re protected from the elements. If you don’t want to be dealing with rodent issues all winter long, it’s best to prevent these critters from invading your home during the fall months.

How Do Rats & Mice Get Into Boise Homes?

While they’re a lot bigger than insects, rodents still don’t have much trouble finding ways into Boise area houses. Most commonly, mice and rats squeeze their bodies through holes or cracks around the foundation, along the roof, or in the siding. These openings don’t need to be very large; the general rule of thumb is that a mouse can enter a home through a hole the size of a dime and a rat can get in through a hole the size of a quarter.

How Do I Keep Rodents Out of My Walls & Attic?

Seal off rodent entry points. In early fall, inspect the exterior of your home for any openings that might allow rodents in walls. Seal any gaps using caulk or foam along with copper mesh or steel wool; rodents can easily chew through sealants without metal.

Prevent rodent access to food. A key component of falltime rat and mouse control is to store food in airtight containers. This includes pet food and bird seed, which rodents will happily munch on if given the chance. Clean up crumbs and spills in the kitchen quickly.

Reduce rodent shelter areas around your home. Keep firewood and debris piles at least 20 feet away from your home and raised off the ground to discourage mice and rats. Organize storage areas in your basement, garage, and attic so rodents don’t have cozy nesting areas.

Set traps for rodents. Bait your traps with sweet or savory foods such as peanut butter, soft cheese or chocolate. Place the traps in remote areas like your attic and basement, as well as any areas where you’ve seen signs of rodent activity.

Professional Rodent Control Services in Boise

While do-it-yourself rodent exclusion can be effective, your safest option is to work with an expert who knows all about the falltime behaviors of rats and mice. Connect with Owyhee Environmental today if you’re in need of eco-friendly rodent control services in the Boise area!

Owyhee Environmental is an excellent organization with whom to use for your pest control needs. The staff is courteous and professional. The service is exemplary. The company has outstanding communication, always keeping you informed of their arrival and service dates as well as outstanding response times and solutions when pest issues arise. They are local to Boise, ID and an outstanding business to support.

- Michael F.

We have used Owyhee for a couple years now. We have an older home, which means that our insect residents are well established. After the first two treatments in the spring, our problem was solved! We feel that they hit the bugs right when they should throughout the year. If we ever have any breakthrough activity they come out and spray at no extra cost.

- Brandi J.

I love working with a small, local company like Owyhee Environmental. They were thorough, friendly, and professional. Both the owner and the tech who visited my home seemed very honest and genuine. There truly isn’t a more important metric to judge a company by, in my opinion. My first treatment went great and even my crawlspace was treated. Awesome job!

- Adam A.

Only started using Owyhee Environmental recently but have been very happy with their service. Always very friendly and after the visit they provide you with quick feedback about what they found. Very impressed when I realized they even provided me with a write up with pictures that explained what they had done. Have used other pest services and none of them come even close to the service level that Owyhee Environmental provides.

- Jaap V.

These guys are amazing. Professional. Detail oriented. Attentive to every word and concern I had. Kevin explained the whole process and Riley came through and did an awesome job and even took the time to explain everything to me in detail. Also, gave me some tips and taught me about the different spiders and bugs I asked about. These guys won’t let you down. Amazing!!!!!!

- Gilda N.