When winter arrives in New York City, many people prepare for cold temperatures, icy sidewalks, and shorter days. But there’s another problem that also grows during this time—rodent infestations. Rats and mice don’t disappear in the winter. In fact, they often become more active inside homes and buildings as they search for warmth and food. Understanding why rodent activity increases in colder months can help residents stay prepared and know when to call Positive Pest Management for help.
Cold Weather Drives Rodents Indoors
Just like people, rodents don’t enjoy freezing temperatures. When winter sets in, the outdoors becomes harsh and food becomes harder to find. To survive, rats and mice move indoors where temperatures are stable and conditions are comfortable.
Homes, restaurants, apartment buildings, and offices become ideal hiding places. Rodents can slip in through small gaps near doors, windows, utility lines, or foundations. Even a hole as small as a dime is large enough for a mouse to squeeze through.
Once inside, rodents look for warm spots near appliances, furnaces, or water heaters. They build nests in basements, walls, attics, and storage areas where they are less likely to be disturbed.
Less Food Outside Means More Activity Inside
Winter reduces natural food sources like seeds, plants, and outdoor waste. Because of this, rodents turn to human environments. NYC’s dense population creates plenty of opportunities for food, especially in homes and apartment buildings.
Rodents are extremely resourceful. They will chew through food packaging, climb cabinets, raid pantries, and search floors for crumbs. Even a small amount of food left out overnight can attract mice.
This increase in indoor searching is why many people first notice signs of rodents in winter—droppings, scratching sounds, or gnaw marks often become more common around kitchens and storage areas during the colder months.
NYC’s Building Structure Helps Rodents Spread
New York City is full of older, connected buildings, which makes it easier for rodents to move from one unit to another. Shared walls, old pipes, gaps around radiator lines, and long-standing structural cracks create pathways that are perfect for rats and mice.
During winter, rodents take advantage of these hidden routes to travel through entire buildings. A rodent problem in one apartment can quickly spread to neighboring units if not handled properly.
Many NYC buildings also have basements, laundry rooms, and trash storage areas that stay warm all year, giving rodents reliable shelter. This is one reason winter infestations spread quickly in multi-family housing.
Construction Pushes Rodents Into Homes
NYC has ongoing construction projects year-round, even in winter. When the ground is disturbed or buildings are renovated, rats living underground may be forced out of their burrows.
During the winter months, these displaced rodents urgently search for warm locations. Nearby homes, stores, and apartments become the first places they try to enter.
Residents living near construction zones often see sudden increases in rodent sightings, especially when the weather drops below freezing.
The Subway System Provides Warmth
The NYC subway stays warm through the winter because of millions of commuters, constant train movement, and underground heat. This makes the subway system a comfortable home for rodents.
But warm tunnels also help rodents survive long enough to move above ground into buildings. Rats can travel through drains, utility lines, and street-level cracks to reach warmer indoor spaces.
This constant source of warmth helps rodent populations stay active, even when the weather outside is very cold.
Signs of Winter Rodent Activity
Winter rodent infestations usually come with clear signs. Residents should watch for:
- Small droppings near food or storage areas
- Scratching or scampering sounds in walls, ceilings, or vents
- Chew marks on boxes, wires, or food packaging
- Shredded materials like paper or fabric used for nesting
- Grease marks along walls where rodents travel
- A musky odor in hidden areas
Early detection makes the problem much easier to control.
What Residents Can Do During Winter
Keeping rodents out during winter requires a mix of prevention and quick action. Here are simple steps everyone can take:
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, and pipes
- Store all food in sealed containers
- Clean crumbs from floors and counters daily
- Take out garbage regularly and avoid leaving bags inside
- Keep storage areas decluttered
- Fix leaking pipes, which attract rodents looking for water
These habits make homes less appealing to rodents looking for warmth and food.
When to Call a Professional
Even with the best prevention methods, winter infestations can still happen due to the age of NYC buildings and the city’s large rodent population. If you notice signs of activity or suspect rodents in your home, it’s important to contact Positive Pest Management.
A professional inspection can identify entry points, locate nests, and create a plan to remove rodents safely and effectively. Winter rodents breed quickly, so addressing the issue early prevents a small problem from turning into a larger one.
Winter in NYC comes with many challenges, and rodent activity is one of the biggest. Understanding why infestations increase and taking quick action can help keep your home safe, warm, and rodent-free.
