As November arrives, daylight hours have shortened, temperatures drop, and pests that thrived outdoors all summer start heading indoors. The most pressing issue we see at this time of year is a sharp rise in rat and mouse activity, both in homes and in commercial settings.
Whether you’re a homeowner, facilities manager, or run a business in food, retail or warehousing, now is the time to check your property is protected.
Why Rodent Activity Increases in November
By late autumn, natural food sources are running out. Compost heaps are cold, bins are less generous, and the once-sheltering undergrowth is thinning. As a result, rats and mice actively seek warm, dry places with a steady supply of food, and buildings of all kinds offer ideal conditions.
We have already noticed a spike in callouts as November approaches due to rodents nesting indoors, damaging property, and putting health and safety at risk. Do you need help in getting rid of rats this winter?
Risks to Businesses
In commercial environments, the presence of rodents can lead to serious financial and reputational damage, including:
- Failed hygiene inspections or audits
- Damage to stock, especially in food storage or retail
- Health and safety breaches, putting staff and customers at risk
- Loss of contracts or customer trust
- Ongoing disruption if nests go unnoticed
Rodent control in commercial settings are so important as rodents can spread quickly through connected walls, suspended ceilings, service voids and drainage networks.
Signs You’ve Got a Rodent Problem
In many cases, you’ll hear or smell them before you see them. Keep an eye (and ear) out for:
- Scratching or gnawing sounds in walls, ceilings or under floors
- Droppings — small, dark, and spindle-shaped (mice), or larger and blunt-ended (rats)
- Gnaw marks on boxes, food packaging, wires or skirting
- Unexplained smells, especially in basements or storage areas
- Nests made of shredded paper, insulation, or fabric
If you’re seeing these signs, don’t wait until winter sets in, the longer rodents are left, the harder they are to remove.
How ASW Pest Control Can Help
We offer fast, effective and discreet rodent control for both domestic and commercial clients. Whether you’re facing a one-off incident or need a full pest management plan for a large site, we can help.
Our services can include:
- Full inspections to locate nests and entry points
- Targeted treatment plans using safe, compliant methods
- Internal and external proofing to prevent future entry
- Drain surveys and fitting of Ratflap devices to block access via sewers
- Ongoing monitoring and scheduled visits for commercial clients
We understand that in commercial environments, speed, discretion and documentation matter. We work with food businesses, landlords, schools, and facilities teams across the region.
Once rats or mice are inside, they don’t leave on their own and they’ll continue to breed, nest, and feed unless the problem is addressed professionally.
📞 Call ASW Pest Control on 0800 592011 or contact us online for urgent support or preventative advice. Whether you’re preparing your home for winter, or protecting your business from pest-related disruption, we’re ready to help.
