How to Prevent Rodents from Crashing Your New Year’s Gathering

As you celebrate a fresh start with friends and family, the last thing you want is for unwanted guests—like mice or rats—to crash your New Year’s gathering. In Denver and surrounding areas, colder weather sends rodents searching for warmth and food, making homes prime targets during the holiday season. Fortunately, with some strategic steps and expert guidance from SPLAT! Pest Management, you can keep your home rodent-free and your celebrations on track.

Why Are Rodents More Active During the Holidays?

Understanding rodent behavior is the first step in prevention. As temperatures drop, rodents like mice and rats look for shelter, often squeezing through tiny cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior. The added allure of food and warmth during festive gatherings only increases their determination. Preventing an infestation isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about protecting your home and loved ones from potential health risks and property damage.

Seal All Entry Points Before Guests Arrive

Rodents can enter your home through openings as small as a dime. Before hosting your New Year’s celebration, take time to inspect your property for possible entry points:

• Check around windows and doors for gaps, and use weather stripping or door sweeps to close them.
• Examine the foundation, siding, and utility lines for cracks or holes, sealing them with steel wool and caulk.
• Inspect the attic, basement, and garage for signs of gnawing or droppings, indicating active rodent pathways.
• Don’t overlook vents, chimneys, and crawlspaces—secure these with fine wire mesh.

By making entry as difficult as possible, you’re setting a strong first line of defense against rodents.

Store Food Securely and Clean Up Promptly

A New Year’s party means plenty of food, which can attract more than just human guests. To keep rodents away:

• Store leftovers in tightly sealed containers, not in open bowls or loosely wrapped packages.
• Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
• Regularly empty trash bins and use cans with tight-fitting lids.
• Wipe down counters and clean up spills immediately.
• Sweep or vacuum floors to remove any crumbs or food debris.

Cleanliness is one of the easiest and most effective ways to discourage rodent activity in your home.

Declutter Critical Areas

Rodents thrive in cluttered spaces where they can hide and nest. Pay special attention to:

• Organizing storage areas such as basements, garages, and attics.
• Keeping firewood, boxes, and other stored items off the floor and away from walls.
• Minimizing piles of paper, fabric, or other nesting materials indoors.

A tidy home offers fewer hiding places and makes your property less attractive to rodents looking for a cozy winter haven.

Maintain a Yard That Keeps Rodents at Bay

Rodent prevention isn’t limited to the indoors. A well-maintained exterior can make a significant difference:

• Trim back tree branches and shrubs that touch your home, as these can provide easy access.
• Keep mulch and leaf piles away from your foundation.
• Store outdoor garbage in sealed bins and remove any fallen fruit or birdseed.
• Repair any broken screens or siding that might offer entry points to small animals.

By tending to your yard, you can further reduce the risk of an invasion during your New Year’s get-together.

Recognize the Signs of Rodent Activity

Being proactive is vital, but it’s also important to know the warning signs of a rodent issue:

• Droppings in corners, along walls, or near food sources
• Gnaw marks on wood, plastic, or food packaging
• Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings
• Nests made of shredded materials in hidden areas

If you notice any of these signs, act quickly before a minor issue turns into a major infestation.

Don’t Let Rodents Ruin Your Celebration—Call in the Professionals

DIY steps can go a long way, but for lasting protection and peace of mind, professional pest control is the best solution—especially when it comes to safeguarding your home during high-traffic times like the holidays. SPLAT! Pest Management brings over a decade of experience to Denver-area homes and businesses, using safe, eco-friendly, and precise techniques tailored to local rodent challenges.

Our team will thoroughly inspect your home, identify vulnerabilities, and apply proven rodent control strategies to keep your space safe. We’re committed to honest, transparent service and guarantee satisfaction with our pest-free promise.

Ready to Keep Your Gatherings Rodent-Free?

Make this New Year a memorable one without unexpected pest interruptions. Contact SPLAT! Pest Management today for a comprehensive rodent inspection and customized protection plan for your Denver home. Book your appointment online at www.splatpest.net or call our friendly team—let’s ensure pests stay off the guest list this year!