Pest control surges in Finland as rodents seek winter shelter

As temperatures drop, mice and rats seek shelter and food in buildings, marking the busiest time of the year for pest control, according to Sami Saloranta, the service manager at Delecon. Property owners can take significant measures to protect their homes from unwelcome visitors and potential damage.

“The first step is to remove all food sources from the yard, such as picking up fallen apples immediately,” Saloranta advises. Additionally, he recommends checking the building’s structure to prevent rodents from entering through gaps as small as a two-euro coin. Mice can squeeze through even smaller openings, about 7-8 millimeters wide.

Typically, rodents enter through the facade, Saloranta notes. It’s essential to inspect drains and ventilation openings, ensuring that metal guards remain intact. Any found gaps should be sealed with sturdy metal mesh. Homeowners are also advised to be vigilant about dips and excavations in the terrain, which may serve as pathways for rodents.

Saloranta highlights that terraces are a favorite spot for rats. As more terraces are built, they provide ample food, shelter, and dry conditions for these pests. When traps are set in multi-family housing, most captures often occur beneath the terraces. Residents should check for any access holes under their terraces.

In Tampere, rat sightings have reportedly decreased, but issues persist in areas like Ikuri. City health inspector Matti Naukkarinen notes that despite a harsh winter, rat populations remain resilient. He emphasizes that climate change may enhance rat survival due to milder winters.

Increasingly, pest control inquiries are focusing on squirrels, with Saloranta noting that the damage they cause can surpass that of rats. However, measures to remove a squirrel nest must be carefully timed to comply with regulations protecting these animals from March to October.