As cold weather descends, it’s not just people looking to hole-up inside where it’s warm. The most unwanted winter guests in the Rockies aren’t relatives, they’re rodents.

Seeking warm, sheltered environments with easy access to food and water, rodents and other mountain pests will exploit any access they can find to enjoy the comforts of your home. Because they’re initially drawn to un-occupied parts of the house, the first signs of trespass are typically found in basements, attics or garages, but once acclimated to those areas, some pests will make their way into kitchens and living areas.

Tyler Krumrey is the wildlife specialist with Peak Wildlife Services, a pest control and wildlife mitigation company he opened in Teller County. After graduating from Clemson University with a degree in wildlife biology, he moved to Colorado for a position at the Department of Agriculture and has been calling the Pikes Peak region home ever since.

“The smaller rodents don’t need much room to find their way inside,” he said. “For a mouse, a gap the size of a pinky finger is big enough, and for rats it’s two fingers.”

Ingress of one or two mice can swell to a full infestation before obvious signs of trouble are present. The ick-factor of a rodent infestation is compounded by serious health and property risks. So, Krumrey shared some tips on how to prevent and detect a problem.

Prevention is the first line of defense. Check for gaps under doors, unsealed crawl space or attic vents, poorly seamed roof joints, openings around utility pipes, foundation cracks, or gaps in siding. These are irresistible entry points for pests seeking warmth and food. Steel wool, caulk and rodent specific expandable foam are viable do-it-yourself options to seal these spaces. After sealing entry points, make sure that other exterior attractants are not near your home like firewood, tree debris or clutter that appeals to small animals as shelter.

When temperatures drop and the snow gets deep, even the most meticulously maintained exterior can be vulnerable to cold and hungry critters. Among the earliest signs of trouble inside are droppings found in utility rooms, garages and attics—worse still is when they are present along living area walls, near pipes or inside cabinets.

“Homeowners should check these areas regularly but especially in winter,” Krumrey said. “Another common early warning is scratching in the walls at night. Pests often sound a lot bigger than they are, which can be a good thing in terms of getting a homeowner’s attention.”

Other signs of trouble are unexplained holes in food packaging, shredded materials used for nesting, small unexplained stains on bedding and upholstery, or electrical issues.

“It’s important to be aware that these are potential signs of a problem,” Krumrey said. “Mice, rats and squirrels can carry diseases, contaminate food, chew electrical wiring and cause structural damage that may go unnoticed for months. They can tunnel through or matt down insulation and cause all kinds of problems if not caught early. The best practices are prevention, monitoring and quick action.”

Airtight containers for food will deter pests from seeking nourishment from your cupboards, and keeping food preparation areas and dining areas clean is wise. Pet feeding areas a notorious attractant, so pet owners should clean up after messy eaters.

Even before a homeowner suspects a problem, strategically positioned traps along the areas monitored for droppings are a surefire way to confirm the presence of pests and to determine which variety has moved in. If traps are consistently productive, then poison bait is a good next line of defense. If the problem persists, an infestation is likely, and it’s time to call an expert.

“I’ve had clients call me thinking they’ve got one or two mice, and it turns out that there’s a few hundred,” Krumrey said. “In these cases, we come in wearing respirators and Tyvek suits. We use Hepa filter vacuums and sanitizing equipment to get rid of all the viruses, filth and parasites left behind. It’s a dirty job, but one I’m glad I can do for my community. If you aren’t inclined to manage prevention for yourself, we are here to help. …Typically, a monthly or bimonthly service is all it takes.”

Though winter may be a notorious time for the interior migration, simple steps can quell an infestation before it starts, and if a home’s defenses fall, there are experts who specialize getting rid of a problem before it escalates further.

“If you have a problem, call an expert,” Krumrey said.

Long-term damage caused by rodents can be serious, and the viruses they carry can potentially be lethal.

“We do have the Hunta Virus in Colorado, and it can be very hard to diagnose,” he said. “For some people, they think finding a rodent in the house is harmless, but it’s seldom just one.”