Why Fall Is the Critical Window
As temperatures drop in October and November across Lampasas County, mice and rats begin actively seeking warm shelter. They can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime (mice) or a quarter (rats). If they find a way into your walls, attic, or crawl space before winter sets in, you'll have a rodent problem that lasts until spring — and potentially causes significant damage in the meantime.
Common Entry Points in Central Texas Homes
- Gaps around pipes under sinks and where utilities enter the home
- Gaps in the garage door seal and around the garage door frame
- Cracks in the foundation, especially near grade level
- Roof vents and attic vents without proper screening
- Gaps around A/C lines, dryer vents, and cable penetrations
- Tree branches touching or overhanging the roofline
DIY Prevention Steps You Can Do This Weekend
Walk the full perimeter of your home and look for any gap larger than a pencil eraser. Common fixes that work well:
- Steel wool packed into small gaps — rodents cannot chew through it
- Hardware cloth over vents and larger openings
- Door sweeps on garage and exterior doors
- Caulk around all pipe penetrations through walls
- Trim trees so no branches touch the roof or walls
Signs You Already Have Rodents Inside
If you're seeing any of these, exclusion alone won't solve the problem — you need trapping and removal first:
- Droppings along baseboards, in cabinets, or near food storage
- Chewed wiring, insulation, or food packaging
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls at night
- Grease marks along baseboards from rodents traveling the same path
- Nesting material (shredded paper, fabric) in hidden areas
When to Call DSO Pest Control
If you've spotted any of the signs above, or if you want a professional inspection of your home's entry points before winter hits, DSO Pest Control provides complete rodent services for Lampasas, Lometa, and Kempner homeowners. We identify how they're getting in, eliminate the existing population, and seal entry points so they can't return from surrounding fields or outbuildings.