Every year once the first cold front comes through, our phones start ringing about noises in the attic. It’s almost always roof rats or mice, and the timing isn’t a coincidence.
Why fall?
Rodents spend the summer outside, living off fruit, seeds, pecans, pet food and whatever else they can find. When nights get cooler, they look for a warm, dry spot close to food. An attic, a garage or the space behind the dishwasher works great.
Roof rats are good climbers. They run along fences, power lines and tree limbs and get in at the roofline, which is why people hear them overhead rather than see them on the floor.
Signs you have a guest
- Scratching or scurrying in the ceiling or walls, mostly at night
- Droppings in the garage, pantry, or along the attic insulation
- Chewed food packaging, or chewed wires in the car or attic
- Greasy rub marks along the edges of walls or rafters
What you can do now
Trim tree limbs so they’re a few feet back from the roof. Pick up fallen pecans and fruit. Keep trash cans closed and bring pet food in at night. Look at the garage door seal, where AC lines enter the house, and the gaps around roof vents. A mouse can squeeze through a hole about the size of a dime.
When to call us
If you’re already hearing them, it’s best not to wait. Rodents breed fast and can chew wiring and soil insulation. Our rodent control service starts with an inspection to find out how they’re getting in, then we set up bait stations, traps and exclusion that fit your house.
Need help? Request service online or call (737) 420-7691. Osborne Pest Control is locally owned, with no contracts.
Posted on November 06, 2026 in Pest Tips