As the Northern New Jersey weather cools down in early fall, many pests and rodents start seeking warmth and food inside homes. It’s essential to know what you’re up against and how to prevent these unwanted guests from making themselves comfortable. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your home safe from mice, rats, insects, and even wildlife during this time of year. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in Northern NJ counties like: Sussex County, Passaic County, Bergen County, and Morris County.
As temperatures drop and food becomes scarce, mice start looking for better shelter. The leaf piles so common in Northern NJ in the fall around home foundations can offer them protection and lead them to find entry points. Mice are surprisingly small and nimble, capable of squeezing through gaps as tiny as ¼-inch high and ½-inch wide. Once they’re inside, they can quickly become a problem.
Rats, the larger and hungrier cousins of mice, are also looking for shelter from the cold. They consume a broader range of food and, unlike mice, need daily access to water. To keep rats away, remove sources of water and ensure trash receptacles are tightly sealed and clean. Rats need slightly larger entry points than mice—just ½-inch high and ¾-inch wide. They often nest further from homes, so they may be traveling up to 300 feet between their nest and food source.
To reduce the risk of rodents, start by cleaning up leaf litter and removing weeds, which provide food and shelter. Seal any small gaps with durable materials like metal gauze, steel wool, or specially designed door sweeps—avoid expanding foam, as mice can chew through it. Keep storage areas tidy and trash cans secure to minimize hiding spots for rodents.
When inspecting your property, remember that rats travel much farther for food than mice, so broaden your search for rat burrows. SMART rodent control from Viking Pest can help to catch rodent activity that you may otherwise miss.
As the temperature drops, certain insect species, like stink bugs, boxelder bugs, ladybugs, cluster flies, and western conifer seed bugs, seek shelter in Northern NJ homes. They usually enter through gaps on the sunny side of buildings. The best way to keep them out is by sealing those gaps. If sealing isn’t possible, well-timed applications of repellents around entry points can help.
Firewood is another potential source of pests. Wood-destroying beetles, ants, and even rodents can hitch a ride inside on infested firewood. To minimize this risk, only bring in the wood you need and store the rest off the ground. Never apply pesticides to firewood you plan to burn.
As we continue to build closer to wildlife habitats, interactions with animals are becoming more frequent. To avoid attracting wildlife, refrain from feeding them or putting out birdseed. If trees or shrubs near your home aren’t trimmed, animals might use them to access your roof. Installing chimney caps is a good way to prevent animals from getting inside—aside from Santa, of course! If you hear noises in your attic or walls, it’s best to call a professional wildlife expert to handle the situation.
By taking these precautions, you can protect your home from the pests and wildlife looking for refuge this fall. If these concerns seem too big for you, or you just want to make sure you're covering all of your bases to protect your home from pests, don't hesitate to give Viking Pest Control a call! Viking Pest has decades of experience working in Northern NJ towns like Wayne, Parsippany, Chatham, Morristown, and Madison, and can help prevent pest infestations whether they have four legs, six legs or more.