The dangers of a rodent infestation go beyond the annoyance of hearing scurrying in the walls. Rats and mice can cause significant property damage by chewing through electrical wires, insulation, and even structural components of your home. They contaminate food, spread bacteria, and carry diseases like hantavirus and salmonella. According to the CDC, rodents can transmit over 35 diseases to humans through direct contact, bites, or exposure to their droppings (1). 

Left unchecked, a small rodent problem can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation, leading to costly repairs and health hazards. 

The good news? Many of the factors that attract rodents are completely preventable. Homeowners often make simple mistakes—leaving food out, neglecting home maintenance, or overlooking small entry points—that turn their homes into rodent havens. By understanding these common mistakes and making a few adjustments, you can keep mice and rats from ever making themselves at home. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the top mistakes that attract rodents and show you exactly how to fix them. Let’s make sure your home stays rodent-free. 

Leaving Easy Entry Points Open 

Rodents don’t need a wide-open door to get inside your home—just a tiny gap will do. Research from the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division has found that Norway rats, the most common rat species in North Georgia, can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter.

Mice can squeeze through a hole as small as a dime, while rats only need an opening the size of a quarter. If your home has even the smallest cracks or gaps, rodents will find them and use them as entry points to your attic, basement, or walls. 

Common entry points include: 

• Gaps under doors and around windows 
• Cracks in the foundation or siding 
• Holes around utility pipes, vents, and air ducts 
• Uncovered chimneys and roof openings 
• Damaged soffits and fascia boards 

Many homeowners assume that if they don’t see large holes, they don’t have a problem. But rodents are expert contortionists, and even the smallest overlooked gaps can provide a straightforward way in. 

How to Fix It: 

• Inspect your home’s exterior: Walk around your house and look for any small openings, especially near the foundation, roofline, and vents. 
• Seal gaps with rodent-proof materials: Use steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth to close off openings. Avoid using just foam sealant—rodents can chew right through it. 
• Install door sweeps: If you can see daylight under exterior doors, it’s an invitation for rodents. Adding a door sweep will block their access. 
• Cover vents and chimneys: Use fine mesh or metal grates to prevent rodents from slipping inside. 

Rodents are persistent, so even a single overlooked gap can lead to an infestation. The more you can reinforce your home’s exterior, the less likely you’ll have unwanted furry guests sneaking inside. 

Poor Food Storage and Waste Management 

If there’s one thing that will keep rodents coming back, it’s an easy meal. Mice and rats have an incredible sense of smell and can detect food from a distance. Once they realize your home provides a steady food supply, they’ll settle in and invite their friends. 

Common mistakes homeowners make include: 

• Leaving pet food out overnight – Rodents love dry pet food, and an unattended bowl is an open buffet. 
• Using unsealed pantry containers – Cardboard boxes and plastic bags won’t stop rodents from chewing through to get to cereals, grains, and snacks. 
• Allowing trash to pile up – Overflowing trash cans, especially with food scraps, are a major attraction for hungry rodents. 
• Forgetting to clean up crumbs and spills – Even the smallest food particles can sustain a rodent infestation. 

How to Fix It: 

• Store all food in airtight containers. Use glass, metal, or thick plastic containers instead of bags or cardboard. 
• Keep pet food sealed and put away. If your pet free feeds, consider switching to a feeding schedule and removing uneaten food. 
• Take out the trash regularly. Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids, and don’t let garbage sit overnight. 
• Clean up food messes immediately. Sweep floors, wipe down counters, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. 

Rodents are opportunistic—they’ll eat whatever is available. The cleaner and more secure your food storage is, the less appealing your home will be to them. 

Cluttered and Untidy Spaces 

Rodents don’t just need food—they need a safe place to nest. If your home provides plenty of hidden, cluttered spaces, you’re practically rolling out the welcome mat for them. North Georgia’s cold mountain winters drive rodents to seek indoor shelter typically beginning in late October, making fall the critical time for rodent-proofing.

Mice and rats look for undisturbed areas to build nests, raise their young, and hide from predators. 

Common clutter mistakes that attract rodents: 

• Attics, basements, and garages filled with boxes – Cardboard and paper make ideal nesting materials. 
• Piles of firewood stacked against the house – This creates shelter and easy access to your home. 
• Stored holiday decorations or old furniture – Rodents love dark, undisturbed places with lots of hiding spots. 
• Cluttered storage rooms or closets – If it’s a mess and rarely disturbed, it’s a rodent paradise. 

How to Fix It: 

• Declutter regularly. Reduce excess storage, especially in areas like the attic, basement, and garage. 
• Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Rodents can chew through cardboard easily but struggle with durable plastic. 
• Store firewood away from your home. Keep woodpiles at least 20 feet from your house and stacked off the ground. 
• Rearrange and inspect storage areas frequently. Move things around to prevent rodents from getting too comfortable. 

Rodents prefer to stay hidden. The less cluttered and more organized your home is, the fewer places they must settle in. 

Overgrown Landscaping and Easy Climbing Access 

Rodents are excellent climbers, and they use trees, bushes, and even vines as ladders to get into your home. If your landscaping is too close to your house, you’re making it easy for mice and rats to access your attic, roof, and walls. 

Common landscaping mistakes that attract rodents: 

• Tree branches touching or overhanging the roof – Squirrels, rats, and even mice can use these as bridges to get inside. 
• Overgrown bushes and shrubs near the foundation – These create hidden entry points and shelter for rodents. 
• Climbing vines on exterior walls – Vines provide a direct path to higher openings like attic vents and soffits. 
• Tall grass or unmaintained yards – Rodents love areas where they can move around undetected. 

How to Fix It: 

• Trim tree branches back at least 3 feet from the roofline. This prevents rodents from jumping onto your house. 
• Keep bushes and shrubs well-trimmed. Maintain at least a foot of space between plants and your home’s exterior. 
• Remove or control climbing vines. Avoid letting ivy or other climbing plants grow unchecked on your walls. 
• Mow your lawn regularly and remove debris. Tall grass, woodpiles, and garden waste provide perfect rodent hiding spots. 

Rodents don’t like being exposed. By maintaining a tidy yard and keeping plants away from your home, you’ll make it harder for them to find a way inside. 

Standing Water and Leaky Pipes 

Just like humans, rodents need water to survive. If your home provides an easy water source, mice and rats will stick around. Even lesser amounts of moisture from leaks or condensation can sustain a rodent infestation. 

Common water-related mistakes that attract rodents: 

• Leaky pipes and dripping faucets – These provide a constant water source for thirsty rodents. 
• Clogged gutters and standing water – Pools of water near the home make the surrounding area more attractive. 
• Pet water bowls left out overnight – Rodents will happily drink from your pet’s dish if given the chance. 
• Poor drainage around the home – Water collecting near the foundation can attract rodents and other pests. 

How to Fix It: 

• Inspect and repair plumbing leaks. Regularly check under sinks, in crawl spaces, and near appliances for moisture. 
• Keep gutters clean and ensure proper drainage. Standing water around the house can attract not just rodents but also insects. 
• Empty pet water bowls at night. If possible, offer water at specific times instead of leaving it out continuously. 
• Improve outdoor drainage. Use gravel or landscaping solutions to prevent water from pooling near your home. 

Eliminating water sources is just as important as removing food sources. A dry home is far less inviting to rodents. 

Ignoring Early Signs of Rodents 

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is overlooking the early warning signs of a rodent problem. Many assume that a single mouse sighting isn’t a big deal, but where there’s one, there are more. The longer you ignore the signs, the worse the infestation will become. 

Common early signs of a rodent problem: 

• Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings – Especially at night when rodents are most active. 
• Droppings in pantries, cabinets, or near baseboards – Mice leave behind small, pellet-like droppings. 
• Gnaw marks on furniture, wiring, or food packaging – Rodents constantly chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing. 
• Nesting materials like shredded paper, fabric, or insulation – Rodents build nests in hidden areas. 
• A musty or urine-like odor – A strong, unpleasant smell can indicate an active infestation. 

How to Fix It: 

• Investigate any unusual noises. If you hear scratching in the walls, don’t ignore it—inspect your attic and crawl spaces. 
• Look for droppings and chew marks. Even insignificant amounts of evidence can indicate a bigger problem. 
• Set traps early. If you suspect rodents, place traps immediately to gauge activity levels. 
• Call us if signs persist. If you keep seeing signs of rodents despite DIY efforts, it’s time for expert help. 

Rodents multiply quickly, so early detection is crucial. Acting fast can prevent a full-blown infestation and save you from costly damage. 

Relying on Ineffective DIY Solutions 

When faced with a rodent problem, many homeowners turn to quick fixes that sound promising but rarely work long-term. Unfortunately, relying on myths and ineffective solutions can give rodents more time to establish themselves in your home. 

Common DIY solutions that don’t work well: 

• Mothballs and dryer sheets – While they may have a strong scent, rodents quickly adapt and ignore them. 
• Peppermint oil and natural repellents – These might deter rodents temporarily, but they aren’t a long-term fix. 
• Ultrasonic pest repellents – The effectiveness of these devices is questionable, with many experts stating that rodents quickly get used to them. 
• Setting a few traps and hoping for the best – Traps can catch individual rodents but won’t stop an infestation. 

How to Fix It: 

• Focus on exclusion first. Seal all entry points to prevent rodents from getting inside. 
• Use professional-grade traps strategically. If you’re setting traps, place them along rodent pathways (like baseboards and entry points) and check them frequently. 
• Avoid poison unless necessary. Rodenticides can lead to dead rodents decomposing inside walls, creating foul odors and other issues. 
• Consult a professional for persistent infestations. If rodents keep coming back despite your efforts, expert intervention is the best solution. 

Rodents are smart and resourceful, which is why half-measures and myths won’t keep them out. A combination of exclusion, proper food storage, cleanliness, and strategic trapping is the most effective way to keep your home rodent-free. 

Conclusion 

Rodents don’t move into your home by accident. They’re looking for easy food, water, and shelter—and small mistakes can make your house an ideal nesting ground. By sealing entry points, storing food properly, maintaining a clean environment, and avoiding common DIY traps, you can prevent an infestation before it starts. 

But if you’re already seeing signs of rodents, it’s important to act fast. A minor problem can quickly turn into a costly infestation. 

Need help getting rid of rodents? Contact Elite Wildlife Solutions today for expert rodent removal and prevention services. 

About the Author

Todd Richards is the founder and lead technician at Elite Wildlife Solutions, bringing over 15 years of specialized experience in wildlife management and rodent control to North Georgia homeowners. As a certified wildlife control operator through the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) and holding BAT Standards certification, Todd combines industry-leading techniques with deep regional knowledge of North Georgia’s unique pest challenges. 

His extensive training includes advanced exclusion methods, humane wildlife removal, and preventative strategies specifically tailored to the Southeast region. Todd regularly conducts property assessments throughout North Georgia’s diverse environments, from urban Atlanta suburbs to rural mountain communities, helping homeowners create and maintain rodent-free living spaces through education and implementation of proven control methods.

Sources

1. “Hantavirus Prevention” https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/prevention/index.html
2. “Norway Rats” https://georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/wrd/pdf/management/Rats.pdf