Rodent Prevention Checklist for a Pest-Free Halloween

The Perfect Time to Protect Your Home

Halloween is one of the most festive times of the year—porches lined with pumpkins, yards filled with decorations, and bowls brimming with candy. But as families enjoy the fall season, rodents are also getting ready for their busiest time of year. When temperatures drop, mice and rats start searching for a warm, safe place to spend the winter—and your home offers everything they need.

This is why October, also known as Rodent Awareness Month, is the perfect time to inspect your property and take preventive steps. By following a few proactive measures before the holidays, you can enjoy a fun, pest-free Halloween and prevent infestations that often begin unnoticed in late fall.

Step 1: Seal All Gaps and Cracks

Rodents can enter your home through surprisingly small openings—a mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, and rats can fit through a gap the size of a quarter. Even the tiniest crack can serve as a gateway for pests looking for warmth.

Take time to inspect the exterior of your home, especially around:

• Gaps under doors and garage entrances
• Cracks in foundations or siding
• Openings where pipes, vents, or cables enter the home
• Damaged window screens and unscreened vents

Use steel wool combined with caulk or expanding foam to seal these gaps. Steel wool is especially effective because rodents cannot chew through it. For larger openings, install mesh wire or metal flashing. Check weather stripping and door sweeps, as worn seals are a common entry point.

Pro Tip: Go outside at night and shine a flashlight around the base of your home. If you can see light coming through from inside, rodents can fit through that space too.

Step 2: Store Food Securely—Inside and Out

Halloween candy isn’t just tempting for kids—rodents love sweets too. Whether it’s candy, cereal, pet food, or pantry staples, any accessible food can attract mice and rats. Once they find a steady food source, they are likely to stick around.

To prevent this, store all food in sealed, airtight containers made of glass or heavy plastic. Avoid leaving snack bags, pet food bowls, or fruit baskets out overnight. Clean kitchen counters daily, sweep crumbs from the floor, and wipe down surfaces with disinfectant to remove scent trails that attract pests.

Outdoor food sources are just as important to manage. Make sure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and are kept away from exterior walls. Compost bins should be sealed and positioned at least 20 feet from the house. If you feed pets outdoors, bring bowls inside each evening.

Step 3: Clear Clutter Indoors and Out

Rodents thrive in cluttered environments where they can hide and nest undisturbed. Piles of paper, storage boxes, or yard debris provide ideal shelter.

Inside your home, focus on organizing basements, garages, and storage areas. Use sturdy plastic bins with tight lids instead of cardboard boxes, which rodents can easily chew through. Keep floors clear and store items off the ground on shelves when possible.

Outside, eliminate potential nesting areas by trimming shrubs and tree branches that touch your home. Rake leaves regularly, and store firewood at least 20 feet away from the foundation. If you decorate for Halloween, avoid leaving cardboard props or paper decorations on the ground, as these materials can attract curious rodents looking for nesting supplies.

Bonus Tip: Clutter-free spaces not only deter rodents but also make it easier to spot early warning signs of pests, such as droppings or chew marks.

Step 4: Inspect Attics, Basements, and Crawl Spaces

These areas are often “out of sight, out of mind,” which makes them prime real estate for rodents. Before the coldest months arrive, set aside time to check your attic, basement, and crawl space for any signs of rodent activity.

Look for:

• Droppings or nesting materials (shredded insulation, fabric, or paper)
• Chewed wires or wood
• Grease marks or rub trails along walls
• Unusual odors or scratching sounds, especially at night

If you find evidence of rodents, only vacuum with a HEPA filter vacuum to prevent the release of airborne particles. Afterwards, lightly spray the area with disinfectant. Always wear gloves and dispose of any contaminated materials properly.

Moisture control is another key factor. Rodents are drawn to damp environments, so check for leaks around water heaters, sump pumps, and foundation walls. A dehumidifier can help keep basements dry and less inviting.

Step 5: Don’t Forget About Your Garage and Shed

Garages and sheds often go unchecked for months, but they are common rodent entry points. The combination of clutter, stored goods, and temperature control makes these spaces attractive to nesting rodents.

Inspect the base of garage doors for gaps and ensure that weather stripping is intact. Keep bags of bird seed, fertilizer, or grass seed in sealed containers. Avoid stacking boxes against the walls, as this provides cover for rodents to move around undetected.

If you decorate for Halloween or store seasonal items, check storage boxes for chew marks or droppings before bringing them back indoors.

Step 6: Schedule a Fall Inspection with Graduate Pest Solutions

Even with diligent prevention, rodents can still find their way inside. That’s why a professional inspection is one of the smartest investments homeowners can make before winter.

At Graduate Pest Solutions, our team of licensed technicians performs detailed inspections to identify risk areas both inside and outside your home. We use proven techniques to detect early activity, seal entry points, and design a customized prevention plan that fits your property’s layout and needs.

Our GradShield Plans ensure your home stays safeguarded year-round, with regular maintenance visits that address seasonal pest pressures before they turn into infestations.

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

This Halloween, don’t let rodents trick you into an unexpected scare. By following this simple checklist, you can protect your home, your food, and your family’s health all season long.

Rodents may be small, but their impact can be big. Early prevention saves you from damage, contamination, and costly repairs later in the year. If you suspect even the slightest activity—like scratching sounds, droppings, or chewed packaging— contact Graduate Pest Solutions right away for a professional inspection and customized treatment plan.

Enjoy a safe, happy, and pest-free Halloween season with the peace of mind that comes from a rodent-free home.