As temperatures drop and autumn moves in, pests are searching for safety and warmth, making homes increasingly appealing. While scratching sounds from walls and ceilings are a well-known indicator of a rodent infestation, there are lesser-known signs to watch for in your food cupboards.
Lesser-known signs of an autumn infestation
Saga Home Insurance has partnered with pest control expert Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager and field biologist at pest control company Pelsis, to reveal the warning signs of an autumn infestation. One easily missed sign is damaged food packaging inside cupboards, especially in a pantry crammed with food where forgotten bags of flour or nuts sit at the back.
It is important to check food cupboards for damaged packaging, droppings, or chew marks, as these could indicate mice have found their way inside and are treating the cupboards like their buffet.
Where to look and what to do
Thorogood recommends checking behind kitchen kickboards, in lofts, and inside cupboards for mouse or rat droppings. These will be small and dark and can indicate an infestation beginning.
She said: “Rats and mice are also present year-round, with higher breeding activity usually occurring during summer. However, they are more likely to enter buildings during autumn and winter in search of warmth, shelter, and food.”
If signs of rodents are found, action is needed, but Thorogood warns against immediately sealing entry points.
She said: “If an entry point is sealed while rodents are still inside, they may start damaging other parts of the building or spread into new areas to find food. The infestation should be treated first, before holes and gaps are sealed to stop pests returning.”
