RODENT CONTROL IN MADISON, WI

Not all rodents are the same. Knowing who’s who helps shape the plan we prescribe.

• House mouse (Mus musculus) Small, adaptable and fond of warm interiors. House mice may slip through gaps the size of a dime and set up shop behind appliances, in crawlspaces or inside wall voids. Fast breeders, they may turn a small issue into a bigger one if left alone.

• Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) Also called brown rats, they tend to burrow outdoors along foundations, under decks and in woodpiles, then move inside as temperatures drop. They’re strong gnawers and may target stored goods, wiring and soft building materials.

• Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) Common around outbuildings, sheds and garages, especially near greenbelts and fields around Dane County. Deer mice are good climbers and may nest in attics or stored seasonal gear.

• Meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) Typically, a yard pest that may tunnel under snowpack and nibble bark in winter. Voles rarely infest interiors but may move into garages or sheds and damage landscaping.

• Squirrels (Eastern gray or red) Squirrels may exploit rooflines, fascia gaps and uncapped chimneys to nest in attics. We address them through OrkinShield: Wildlife & Rodent Prevention.

Rodents aren’t just inconvenient for Madison, WI, homeowners. They bring potential risks.

• Food contamination: Rodents may contaminate surfaces and stored food with droppings and urine that might carry bacteria like Salmonella.

• Allergies and asthma: Dander and droppings may aggravate allergies and asthma.

• Pathogens: Deer mice in particular have been associated with hantaviruses in parts of North America. Rodents may carry LCMV and leptospirosis. Actual risks vary, but caution is wise.

• Biting pests: Rodents may introduce fleas and ticks.

• Property damage: Constant gnawing may damage wiring, insulation and stored belongings, which might increase fire risk.

If you need to clean areas with droppings, avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry material. Moistening and careful cleanup help reduce dust. If you’re unsure, we can advise on safer cleanup approaches based on the situation.

How Madison’s Seasons Drive Rodent Activity

• Fall: As temperatures dip, rodents scout for harborage. Attic vents, utility lines and garage door gaps are prime targets.

• Winter: Snow cover pushes voles to yards and rats and mice inside garages and basements. Food scarcity outdoors increases pressure on homes and businesses.

• Spring: Thawing reveals burrows along foundations. New nesting attempts may pop up in sheds and attics.

• Summer: Landscaping grows dense, offering cover near structures. Outdoor cooking, bird seed and pet feeding may draw activity closer to the property.

Small changes add up to big deterrents. Start here:

• Seal gaps larger than 1/4 inch around pipes, cables and vents with rodent-resistant materials

• Add door sweeps to garage and exterior doors; check weatherstripping for light leaks

• Screen attic and foundation vents with 1/4-inch hardware cloth; cap chimneys with a screened cover

• Trim trees and shrubs 6–8 feet back from the roofline; keep mulch and firewood away from siding

• Store bird seed and pet food in sealed containers; clean up spills promptly

• Use tight-fitting lids on trash and compost; rinse recycling and keep bins closed

• Declutter basements and garages; elevate storage off the floor to limit harborage

• Repair leaky spigots and sump discharge lines that create water sources near foundations

• After lake season, clean and store gear like grills and coolers so they don’t attract foraging

• During fall, walk your foundation to spot new cracks or burrows and address them quickly

If you’re already seeing activity, these steps help, but pairing them with a professional plan typically works best.

• Rodent Identification

• How to Tell If You Have Rats or Squirrels

• Rodent Repellent

• Rodent Traps

• How to Get Rid of Dead Rodent Smells

• How Effective Are Rodent Smoke Bombs?

• What Do Mice Eat