When people think of rats and mice, they often picture cold weather pests — scurrying indoors for warmth and food in the winter months. But the truth is, summer is far from a rodent-free season. In fact, the warmer months bring their own set of challenges when it comes to controlling rats and mice in Irish homes and businesses.
At Discreet Pest Control, we regularly respond to rodent callouts not just in winter, but all year round — and the reasons for summer infestations might surprise you.
Why Rodents Are Active in Summer
Unlike seasonal insects, rats and mice are year-round pests. Summer doesn’t slow them down — in many ways, it makes life easier for them:
- Plenty of food: More outdoor eating, BBQs, bins left out overnight, and composting can offer a buffet of options for hungry rodents.
- Easier nesting conditions: Warmer weather allows for more breeding. One pair of rats can produce hundreds of offspring in a single season.
- Access to water: Outdoor taps, birdbaths, and garden ponds give rodents a vital resource to thrive and breed.
- Building maintenance: Summer often exposes gaps and cracks that went unnoticed during winter. These entry points are quickly taken advantage of by rats and mice looking for nesting spots.
Common Summer Rodent Hotspots
In Ireland, we often find that rodents become a summer nuisance in:
- Gardens and sheds – especially where pet food, bird seed, or compost is stored
- Garages and attics – ideal for quiet nesting
- Restaurants, cafés, and pubs – increased food waste and outdoor seating areas attract rats and mice
- Holiday homes and vacant properties – rodents love places with low foot traffic and easy access
Signs of a Rodent Problem
Even if you don’t see a rat or mouse directly, there are some common signs to look out for:
- Droppings (small and dark, like grains of rice)
- Gnawed packaging or wood
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings
- Grease marks along walls (from rodents rubbing their bodies along familiar paths)
- A musty or ammonia-like smell, especially in enclosed areas
If you notice any of the above, it’s important to act quickly. Rodents multiply fast, and even a small problem can escalate in just a few weeks.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Summer Rodents
Rats and mice aren’t just unpleasant — they’re a serious risk:
- Health hazards: Rodents can carry diseases like Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), Salmonella, and Hantavirus.
- Contamination: They contaminate food prep areas, surfaces, and stored food.
- Property damage: Rodents gnaw constantly, which can lead to chewed electrical wires, damaged insulation, and structural issues.
- Pest crossover: Rodents often carry parasites like fleas, which can start a secondary infestation.
Prevention Tips for Summer Rodent Control
1. Secure Bins and Food Waste
Keep outdoor bins tightly closed. Clean them regularly and store compost properly. Don’t leave pet food or BBQ leftovers outside overnight.
2. Block Entry Points
Inspect the exterior of your home, especially around doors, vents, pipes, and the roofline. Use steel wool or metal mesh to block any gaps – rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a 1-euro coin.
3. Keep Your Garden Tidy
Clear away rubbish, overgrown shrubs, and long grass where rodents can hide. Store firewood off the ground and away from your house.
4. Store Food Securely
If you keep food in sheds or garages, make sure it’s in sealed containers. Bird seed and pet food are especially attractive to rodents.
5. Deal with Leaks and Standing Water
Repair leaking taps, hoses, or gutters that create ideal drinking spots for rodents.
Already Hearing Scratching in the Walls?
Don’t wait to “see how bad it gets.” By the time you spot a rodent, a nest may already be well established.
At Discreet Pest Control, we offer:
- Fast response times across Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, and Carlow
- Discreet, unmarked vehicles to protect your privacy
- Safe, effective rodent control methods including traps, baiting, and exclusion
- Professional advice to stop future infestations
We don’t just treat the symptoms — we get to the root of the problem and help you keep rodents out for good.
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t mean the end of rodent season — it simply shifts the playing field. With more food, more access, and ideal conditions, rats and mice can be even more of a threat during the warmer months.
By staying vigilant, keeping your property clean and secure, and acting fast when signs appear, you can enjoy your summer without any unwanted furry visitors.
Need help now?
Call Discreet Pest Control today — your local experts in rodent prevention and elimination.
