If you live in Plano, Richardson, North Dallas, Frisco, or McKinney, you already know North Texas doesn’t really do “classic” winter. We get cold snaps, warm afternoons, and the occasional freeze—but rarely the kind of deep, long-lasting cold that shuts everything down.
That includes pests.
While you’re pulling decorations out of the attic, lighting a fire, and getting ready for holiday guests, many pests are doing the same thing you are: heading indoors to get warm. And at the top of that list in December and January? Rodents.
At Village Green Lawn and Pest, we’ve been helping North Texas homeowners protect their homes since 1980. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what really happens with winter pests in our area, why rodent activity increases as temperatures drop, and practical steps you can take now to protect your home before they end up in your garage, attic, or worse—inside your living space.
Are Pests Really Active in Winter Around Dallas–Fort Worth?
A lot of homeowners assume winter gives them a “break” from pest control. Unfortunately, our North Texas climate doesn’t work that way. We don’t stay cold long enough for many pests to go completely dormant, and when we do get those colder nights, pests simply move closer to the warmth—often straight into your home.
Some of the most common winter pests we see in Plano, Richardson, North Dallas, Frisco, and McKinney include:
– Rodents (mice and rats)
– Cockroaches
– Spiders
– Ants and other “occasional invaders”
All of those are important, but when we’re talking about winter, the biggest concern is rodents. They’re strong climbers, excellent chewers, and can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter (or even smaller for some mice). Once inside, they can contaminate food, chew on wires and insulation, and create a big mess in a very short amount of time.
Why Rodent Activity Ramps Up as Temperatures Drop
Rodent “season” in the Dallas–Fort Worth area really kicks into gear in the fall and stays active right through winter. As overnight lows get cooler and natural food sources thin out, rats and mice go looking for three things:
1. Warmth
2. Shelter
3. Reliable food and water
Your home checks all three boxes.
Common places we find rodent activity in our core service area include:
– Attics (especially above garages and near the roofline)
– Garages and storage areas
– Wall voids and crawlspaces
– Around water heaters and appliance lines
– Behind stored holiday decorations or boxes
Once rodents make it inside, they rarely stay in one place. They roam, explore, and nest—and by the time you hear or see them, they’ve often been active for a while.
Signs You May Already Have Rodents
The earlier we catch rodent activity, the easier and less expensive it is to solve the problem. If you live in Plano, Richardson, North Dallas, Frisco, or McKinney, it’s smart to keep an eye (and ear) out for these common signs in December and January:
– Droppings: Small, dark pellets in the garage, pantry, attic, or along walls.
– Noise at night: Scratching, scurrying, or “chewing” sounds in ceilings or walls, especially overnight or early in the morning.
– Gnaw marks: Chewed wires, baseboards, boxes, stored decorations, or bags of pet food or bird seed.
– Grease marks or tracks: Smudges along walls or around entry points where rodents follow the same paths repeatedly.
– Nesting material: Shredded paper, insulation, or fabric gathered in corners, boxes, or hidden areas.
– Pets acting alert: Dogs or cats staring at a wall, sniffing one spot in the garage, or acting more “on edge” than usual in certain areas.
If you notice any combination of these signs, it’s time to take action—before a few rodents turn into a full-blown infestation.
How Rodents Get Into North Texas Homes
One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is just how small an opening rodents need. Common entry points we see every week in the field include:
Gaps around garage doors or weatherstripping
– Openings where AC lines, gas lines, or cable lines enter the home
– Missing or damaged vent covers (soffit, gable, or roof vents)
– Gaps at the roofline, chimney, or where different building materials meet
– Weep holes and cracks in brick or siding
– Exterior doors that don’t fully seal at the bottom
Over time, small openings become “highways” for rodents—especially when it gets cold outside. The goal of good winter pest control is to make your home a lot harder to get into and a lot less appealing if they do try.
Winter Prep: What Homeowners Can Do Before the Holidays
The good news? There’s still time to get ahead of rodent activity before your home gets busy with guests and gatherings. Here are practical steps homeowners in our area can take in December and January:
1. Tidy and seal food sources
– Store pet food, bird seed, and bulk foods in sealed containers.
– Clean up crumbs and spills quickly, especially in the pantry and garage.
– Don’t leave pet food out overnight, indoors or outdoors.
2. Reduce clutter in high-risk areas
– Organize the garage, attic, and storage closets so you can see what’s going on.
– Avoid stacking cardboard boxes directly against walls—rodents love hiding behind and inside them.
– If possible, use plastic bins with lids for long-term storage.
3. Check for gaps and openings
– Look around doors, windows, and the garage for light showing through or obvious gaps.
– Inspect where cables, utilities, and AC lines enter the home.
– Replace worn weatherstripping and door sweeps.
4. Trim and tidy the exterior
– Trim back tree limbs or vines that touch the roofline.
– Move firewood away from the foundation.
– Keep leaves, mulch, and debris from piling up along exterior walls.
5. Pay attention after cold snaps
– Rodent activity often spikes right after a strong cold front.
– Make a quick habit of walking the garage and checking the attic access every few weeks in winter.
These steps can’t guarantee rodents won’t try to get in, but they dramatically improve your odds—and make professional treatments more effective when you do need them.
How Professional Winter Pest & Rodent Control Helps
When you partner with a professional pest control company, you’re not just buying a one-time treatment—you’re getting a strategy.
At Village Green, our winter pest and rodent control typically includes:
– Thorough inspection: We look for current activity, droppings, rub marks, entry points, and risk areas specific to your home’s construction.
– Targeted treatment: Depending on what we find, this may include bait placements in secured stations and focused treatments in high-traffic areas.
– Exterior protection: We focus heavily on the exterior of your home to create a protective barrier and limit new pests from coming inside. Our goal is to stop them before they get into the home so we don’t have to come inside. If you do have activity in your home we can provide solutions to solve the problem. You can call or text us at anytime.
– Recommendations for exclusion: We’ll point out openings, gaps, or conditions that make rodent entry easier and tell you what to fix (or help you prioritize what to tackle first).
– Ongoing protection every four months: Our recurring pest control plans are designed around North Texas seasons so you’re not just reacting to pests—you’re staying ahead of them year-round.
That way, when rodent season is at its peak in winter, your home already has protection in place.
What About Other Winter Pests in North Texas?
While rodents are the headline act in winter, they’re not the only pests we see this time of year.
In our core service area, it’s still common to see:
– Cockroaches seeking moisture and food indoors
– Spiders following their prey into garages, attics, and living areas
– Ants and other insects popping up during milder stretches between cold fronts
The nice thing about a well-designed pest control plan is that you don’t have to juggle separate treatments for each of these. Our pest control programs are built to protect your home from a wide range of common North Texas pests—rodents included in our Home Defense Plus pest plan.
There are a lot of companies you could call for pest control. What makes Village Green different is our deep roots and our local focus.
– We’ve been serving Plano, Richardson, North Dallas, Frisco, and McKinney families since 1980.
– We’re locally owned and operated, with a team that lives and works in the same neighborhoods we service.
– We understand how our climate, construction styles, and city regulations affect pest activity.
– Our recommendations are based on decades of experience in North Texas homes—not a one-size-fits-all national script.
Most importantly, we see ourselves as your ally. Our job is to help you understand what’s happening, what your options are, and how to protect your home in a way that fits your budget and comfort level.
There’s Still Time to Protect Your Home Before the Holidays
If you’ve heard scratching in the attic, noticed droppings in the garage, or just want the peace of mind of knowing your home is protected before guests arrive, this is the perfect time to take action.
Village Green’s Pest Control Plans are designed for North Texas homes and can help you:
– Stop rodent activity before it gets worse
– Reduce the risk of damage and contamination
– Keep your home more comfortable and worry-free through the holidays and beyond
Our Signature Home Defense Plan is $53 per month and our Home Defense Plus is $69 per month (it includes rodent protection.) And Current Village Green Lawn Health Plan customers receive a special bundle price incentive when they combine their services with Village Green.
If you’re interested, give us a call or text and we’ll help you choose the best pest package for your home and budget—or you can visit our pest control page to learn more about our programs.
Call or text: 972-495-6990
Learn more: https://villagegreen-inc.com/service/pest-control/
Winter is when strong North Texas lawns—and pest-protected homes—are made. Let Village Green be your trusted local partner in keeping both in great shape.
