UBCNews - Business - Three Signs That Rodents Are Infesting Your Home: Washington DC Pros Weigh In

Episode Date: November 25, 2025

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that affects so many homeowners here in the DC area, especially as temperatures drop. We're talking about rodent infestations. And I have to say, winter seems to be prime time for these little invaders. Connor's Pest Pros City: Springfield Address: 5410 Port Royal Rd Website: https://connorspestpros.com/contact/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that affects so many homeowners here in the D.C. area, especially as temperatures drop. We're talking about rodent infestations. And I have to say, winter seems to be prime time for these little invaders. That's exactly it. Winter is actually the peak season for rodents getting into homes, and there's a really important reason for that.

Unlike some rodents that hibernate, common house infesting species like house mice and Norway rats, don't hibernate at all. They stay active all winter long, which means they're actively searching for warmth, shelter, and food. So while other pests are dormant, rodents are basically on the hunt for a cozy place to crash. Exactly, and our homes provide everything they need. That's why property damage and health risks go up significantly if you've got rodents moving in during the colder months. Okay, so let's talk about the signs.

How do homeowners know if they've got unwanted guests? I'm guessing most people don't actually see the rodents themselves at first. Right, rodents are pretty sneaky. The first sign people usually notice is droppings. You'll find small pellets around the house, often near food sources or along baseboards. Then there are nibble marks on food packaging or even around the house itself. Mm-hmm, I see. Strange noises are a big one.

If you're hearing scratching or scurring sounds in your walls or attic, especially at night when rodents are most active, that's a red flag. You might also notice rub streaks along your baseboards. That's from the dirt and oil on their fur as they travel the same roots over and over. That's interesting. I never would have thought about the oil streaks. Are there any other behavioral clues? Definitely.

If you have pets, watch their behavior. Dogs and cats will often act strangely around fridges, walls, or doors if they sense rodents behind them. They can hear and smell things we can't. So your pet might actually be your first line of defense in detecting these pests. Now, here's something I've always wondered. How do these rodents even get inside? Are we talking about obvious gaps? Or can they squeeze through really small spaces?

Oh, it's shocking how small the openings can be. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a pencil, about a quarter of an inch. While rats can get through a hole the size of a quarter, about half an inch in diameter. So even if you think your home is sealed up tight, there might be entry points you're not aware of. A pencil? That's a really tiny. That makes prevention sound pretty challenging. It can be, but the key is sealing up those entry points before winter as soon as possible to prevent entry. Check your screens, windows, doors, and look for any gaps. Replace worn-out door sweeps, that kind of thing. I actually had a neighbor once who thought their home was totally secure. And then one morning, they found a mouse,

sitting on their kitchen counter eating a bagel. Turned out there was a gap under the back door they never noticed. A bagel-eating mouse. Well, at least it had good taste. That point about sealing entry points sets up our next piece. The actual health threats these rodents pose. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're dealing with rodents in your Washington, D.C. home,

you need fast, effective help. Connor's Pest Pros has been serving Virginia, D.C. and Maryland since 1940. offering same day and next day rodent control services. Their experienced technicians provide free inspections and customized treatment plans to protect your family. Don't wait for the problem to get worse. Visit connerspestpros.com to get started today. Picking up on those health threats, once rodents are actually inside, what kind of risks are we looking at?

I mean, aside from the nuisance factor. The threats are pretty serious, honestly. First, there are major health risks. Rodents can expose people to diseases like hantavirus, salmonella, leptosporosis, and others. They contaminate food and surfaces just by being in your home. So it's not simply an inconvenience. It's a genuine health hazard. Right.

So there's more to it than just the gross factor. There are real health consequences. Absolutely. And they can also bring other pests with them, ticks and fleas that carry their own. own diseases. But the property damage is another huge concern. Rodents love to chew, and they'll gnaw on just about anything. Like what exactly? Electrical wires, for one. That creates a serious fire hazard. They'll also chew through plumbing pipes, which can lead to water damage. And then there's insulation, wallboards, all kinds of structural materials. The longer they're in your home,

the more damage they can do. So we're talking about potential fire. flooding and structural damage. That's a lot more serious than most people probably realize. Have you noticed whether people tend to underestimate these risks? Oh, definitely. Most folks think it's just a minor annoyance until they see the damage firsthand. I remember one homeowner who kept hearing noises

but put off calling for help. By the time we got there, the rodents had chewed through several electrical wires in the attic. They were incredibly lucky there hadn't been a fire. Wow, that's genuinely scary. So to everyone listening, if you're noticing any of these signs, droppings, nibble marks, strange noises, rub streaks, or your pets acting weird, don't wait.

Time really is of the essence here, right? Right. Rodents breed extremely fast. The longer you wait, the bigger the infestation becomes, and the harder it is to eliminate. Quick action is key. Basically, the faster you respond, the easier the problem is.

is to solve. And I imagine Washington, D.C. has some specific factors that make rodent problems worse here? It does. D.C. actually has milder winters compared to other regions, which means rodents can stay active longer and reproduce more frequently. Plus, with all the green spaces and urban areas mixed together, there's plenty of food and shelter available for them. So the environment here is kind of optimal for rodents.

That's not great news for homeowners. Have you ever wondered why some neighborhoods seem to have more issues than others? Yeah, it often comes down to things like waste management, older infrastructure, and how close properties are to parks or wooded areas. But honestly, no neighborhood is immune. Rodents are opportunistic, and they'll take advantage of any opening they find. Right, so awareness is key. Exactly.

If people know what to look for and act quickly when they spot the signs, they can protect their homes and families before things get out of hand. Well said. Before we wrap up, what's the one thing you want listeners to remember from today's conversation? Stay vigilant during winter. Check for those three key signs we talked about, droppings, nibble marks, and strange noises. And remember that professional help can make all the difference in stopping an infestation before it becomes a serious problem. Perfect. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise today. And to everyone listening. Stay safe out there and keep your homes rodent free this winter. We'll

catch you next time.