Have you heard any scratching sounds or noticed droppings in the pantry lately? You’re probably terrified. These are signs that rodents have taken shelter in your home. Last winter’s freezing temperatures drove many rodents indoors. Now that it’s warming up again, they’re not heading back outside, they’re settling in. If you’re dealing with unwanted critters, professional pest control in Frederick County is your best line of defense.
At Womack Pest Control, we’ve already seen signs of rodents taking shelter indoors during the colder months, but this summer could be the worst Maryland has seen in years.
Why the Sudden Surge?
Cold winters don’t just send people indoors; they send rodents running too. According to experts at the National Pest Management Association, harsh temperatures pushed rodents like mice and rats to seek shelter in homes and businesses earlier this year. Likely because Maryland’s extended winter forced rodents to find warmth wherever they could.
Now that summer’s here, they’re not moving out. If anything, they’re multiplying, and looking for food, water, and quiet nesting spots inside homes.
It’s not just scratching in the attic or chewed-up food boxes in your pantry. Rodents can spread harmful pathogens and bacteria, including those responsible for hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis. These aren’t rare risks, a peer-reviewed study published by the NIH links rodent infestations directly to increased public health risks in residential areas.
Beyond disease, rodents can also:
- Chew through electrical wiring, drywall, and insulation
- Cause house fires due to wire damage
And we’re not alone; several U.S. cities, including some in our region, are already seeing higher-than usual in rodent activity.
5 Signs You May Have a Rodent Problem
Here’s what to look out for around your home:
- Tiny droppings: Usually found in dark corners, pantries, or behind appliances.
- Noises at night: Scratching or scurrying sounds in the attic or walls.
- Gnawed food packages: Especially cereal boxes or snacks left in lower cabinets.
- Shredded materials: Rodents often build nests using paper, cloth, or insulation.
- Odd smells or grease marks: Musty odors or smudges along baseboards could point to a frequent rodent path.
Even one or two of these signs could point to a larger infestation. Early action makes all the difference.
What You Can Do to Keep Rodents Out
Rodents are persistent, but there’s a lot you can do to discourage them:
- Seal up entry points: Even small cracks can be entryways. Mice only need a hole the size of a dime!
- Clean up crumbs: Rodents are always looking for easy food. Wipe down counters and don’t leave pet food out overnight.
- Declutter storage areas: Cluttered garages and basements is a rodent’s paradise.
- Trim trees and shrubs: Branches too close to your roof can give rodents a direct route indoors.
Even well-maintained homes can become targets, that’s why having a professional step in can make a real difference.
How Womack Pest Control Keeps Rodents Out for Good
We call it exclusion, finding out how rodents get in and sealing them out for good. At Womack Pest Control, we specialize in long-term solutions, not just quick fixes.
Our team will:
- Inspect every inch of your home, even the attic and crawl spaces most people avoid.
- Identify hidden entry points that others might miss.
- Seal up gaps and holes, using rodent-proof materials like steel mesh.
- Monitor your property to catch future activity before it becomes a problem.
It’s a proven approach that keeps rodents out, year after year.
Why Maryland Trusts Womack Pest Control
We’re not a national chain, we’re a family-owned company that’s been helping Maryland homeowners since 1943. We live and work here too, so keeping your home safe matters to us as it does to you.
When you choose Womack, you’re choosing:
- Local knowledge
- Reliable service
- Long-term protection
We treat your home like it’s our own, because in many ways, it is.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The sooner you act, the easier it is to stop a rodent problem in its tracks. If you’ve seen signs or just want to play it safe, give us a call at 301-881-5181 or visit our website at womackpestcontrol.com to schedule a visit.
We’ll help you take back control before rodents take over.