Unpredictable Fall Weather May Lead To Increased Rodent Activity
There is a link between the weather and pest activity. Animals are a part of nature, and environmental changes influence them. Twice a year, the National Pest Management Association looks at the prevailing weather patterns and provides a "forecast" regarding pest activity. They call this resource the Bug Barometer. The Bug Barometer also includes rodents because mice and rats are strongly impacted by the same environmental conditions that drive bugs. Today, we will look at what the Bug Barometer says about rodent activity this fall in our Arizona service area.
The NPMA Bug Barometer
The Bug Barometer shows that rodents are the pests to watch for in our area this fall and throughout the winter. The NPMA says: "With forecasts calling for a mix of unpredictable conditions across the desert region, one pest prediction that homeowners can prepare for is an increase in rodent activity in and around homes this fall as temperatures drop and these pests search for warmth, food, and shelter."
This is a good prediction. We saw all of this play out last winter when we had a lot of cold weather move in. Experts say there is a good chance we will experience more of the same. Let's dig a little deeper and consider how the unpredictable 2024 fall weather may affect rodents in the Phoenix Metro.
Unpredictable fall weather and rodent activity
The El Niño weather pattern strongly influences the weather in our area. Here's what meteorologists think we'll see this fall and winter.
- Fluctuations in temperature
Unpredictable weather patterns can bring unexpected temperature fluctuations, and cold air from Canada can create chilly nighttime temps. - Higher-than-normal rainfall
Industry professionals believe there is a good chance we'll see above-average rainfall. - Flash floods
Unexpected heavy rain often comes with flash flooding. - Longer warm season
The heat from this summer is lingering longer than expected, especially in the Phoenix metro area. Experts believe we may continue to see above-average temperatures before things cool down in October.
No one knows for sure what the weather will be this fall and winter, but if the data is correct, these are the weather conditions we can expect.
How do these weather patterns impact rodents in Phoenix?
- Extra rain will inspire plant growth and increase food abundance for animals. When food is available, rodents actively gather it, increasing their chances of accidentally getting into structures.
- Flash floods can fill in ground holes and drive rodents out of their natural homes and into man-made structures.
- Rodents may look for a warmer resting place when temperatures dip at night. Unfortunately, that means they could head indoors.
- During a long warm season, rodents are active longer and have more time to reproduce.
What can you do to prepare for increased rodent activity and potential entry?
When rodents come onto your property and explore your exterior, it’s important to take steps to deter them. You have many options at your fingertips. Here are some suggestions:
- Address puddles in your yard. These provide drinking sources for rats and mice.
- Stay vigilant to trim fast-growing plants this fall. Rodents use dense vegetation and low-lying plants for cover.
- Remove clutter from your yard. Rodents like to hide in vegetation and junk piles.
- Keep trash receptacles clean and covered. Rodents can smell trash from a distance and will come searching for a bite.
- Remove bird feeders or move them away from your home. Rodents love seeds; they are a dietary staple for most species.
Along with removing conditions that rodents prefer, you'll also want to alter the conditions that make them want to stay on your property.
- Block access to the void underneath a shed. Rodents love this space.
- Block access to your crawl space if you have one. Use expanding foam to fill in gaps that rodents may use to get in.
- Replace areas of damaged or worn-out weatherproofing.
- Replace damaged screens.
- Seal gaps around utility lines that pass through your exterior walls.
- Seal structural cavities that provide access to window and door voids.
- Fix other holes or openings on the exterior of the structure.
- Repair leaking faucets and other plumbing problems.
- Address moisture problems indoors.
It takes a lot of work, but your efforts could keep rodents AND other pests from getting inside.
Contact Greenway Pest Solutions to get rid of rodents.
When you contact Greenway Pest Solutions for help eliminating and preventing rodent infestations, our home pest control plan is ideal! Here’s what you can expect when you sign up for ongoing pest protection:
- A thorough inspection and initial treatment to address existing pest activity.
- Interior and exterior pest treatments.
- Installation of exterior rodent monitoring stations.
- Pest control service every three months to keep insects and rodents away.
Our pest control specialists have the training and experience to solve your rodent infestation, no matter how tough. Contact us for a free pest control quote.
