When the UAE’s temperatures finally drop in winter, many residents breathe a sigh of relief — but rats and mice start looking for somewhere new to call home.
Even in a region famous for its scorching summers, winter still brings unique rodent problems. Let’s explore why rodents move indoors during the cooler months, how to stop them, and why prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than dealing with an infestation.
Contents
- 1 Why do rodents invade UAE homes in winter?
- 2 What attracts rats and mice in winter?
- 3 Are Dubai & Abu Dhabi homes at risk in winter?
- 4 How do rodents get inside?
- 5 What are the signs you have rodents?
- 6 How to prevent rodents this winter: UAE-specific tips
- 7 Why DIY rodent control often fails
- 8 When should you call professional pest control?
- 9 Why winter rodent control is critical in the UAE
- 10 Why choose BR Pest Control?
- 11 FAQ: Rodents in UAE homes
- 12 Don’t wait for winter guests
Why do rodents invade UAE homes in winter?
While UAE winters are mild by global standards, the temperature drop is enough to:
- Drive rodents indoors seeking warmth
- Encourage nesting in roof spaces, false ceilings, and storage rooms
- Push them closer to kitchens and pantries in search of food
Many villas and older buildings have gaps, vents, or cracked sealant that make it easy for rats to sneak inside — and once they find food, they stay.
What attracts rats and mice in winter?
Even the cleanest homes can unknowingly offer:
- Warm places to hide: under appliances, roof spaces, or storerooms
- Accessible food: pet food bowls, crumbs, dry goods in cardboard boxes
- Water: dripping taps, leaking AC pipes, or garden irrigation
Rodents need very little to survive — a few grams of food and a hidden corner.
Are Dubai & Abu Dhabi homes at risk in winter?
Yes — especially:
- Villas with gardens or outdoor storage
- Older buildings with gaps around pipes and vents
- Homes near empty plots or construction sites (common nesting spots)
- In dense urban areas, rats travel between villas, warehouses, and garbage rooms surprisingly easily.
How do rodents get inside?
- Small gaps around doors or windows
- Open vents or weep holes
- Roof spaces and false ceilings
- AC ducting and drainage pipes
- Gaps under garage doors
Fun fact: A rat can squeeze through a hole the size of a dirham coin!
What are the signs you have rodents?
Look out for:
- Gnaw marks on wires, boxes, or furniture
- Droppings (small, dark pellets)
- Scratching or scurrying noises, especially at night
- Grease marks along walls and skirting boards
- Unexplained pet excitement or barking
If you notice even a couple of signs, act quickly — rodents breed fast.
How to prevent rodents this winter: UAE-specific tips
Seal your home:
- Close gaps under doors with door sweeps
- Block holes around pipes with steel wool or sealant
- Install mesh over vents and drains
Remove food & water sources:
- Store dry goods in sealed plastic or glass containers
- Clean crumbs and spills daily
- Fix leaking taps and AC drainage
Outdoor care:
- Keep garden areas clear of debris and stacked wood
- Store bins away from doors and keep them tightly closed
- Trim back plants touching walls or roofs
Regular checks:
- Inspect attics, garages, and storerooms monthly
- Look behind appliances and in under-sink cupboards
Why DIY rodent control often fails
Traps and store-bought baits:
- Rarely reach hidden nests in ceilings or walls
- Miss ongoing entry points
- Can be unsafe for children or pets if not used properly
Professionals like BR Pest Control combine:
- Site inspection to find nests & entry points
- Safe, targeted treatments
- Advice to keep rodents out for good
When should you call professional pest control?
- Hearing nightly scratching or squeaking
- Finding fresh droppings, especially in kitchens
- Noticing chewed cables, pipes, or packaging
- After renovations (new gaps and ducts can appear)
Early action stops small problems from becoming major infestations.
Why winter rodent control is critical in the UAE
While summer heat keeps rodents mostly outside, cooler months push them into:
- Kitchens and food storage rooms
- Villas’ roof spaces
- Apartment garbage chutes and basements
Rodents carry diseases, contaminate food, and can even cause electrical fires by chewing wires — so prevention isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety.
Why choose BR Pest Control?
- Licensed, UAE-approved team
- Family & pet-safe solutions
- Expertise in villa, apartment, and commercial pest control
- Free inspection & clear pricing
- Focus on sealing entry points, not just baiting
- Find out more: BR Pest Control
FAQ: Rodents in UAE homes
Do rats really come inside when it’s cooler?
Yes — even a few degrees drop makes indoor spaces more appealing.
Are rodents only a problem in older homes?
No — new homes can get rodents if there are gaps, open drains, or nearby food.
Can rodents enter apartments on higher floors?
Yes — via garbage chutes, drainage pipes, and even climbing exterior walls.
How often should rodent control be done?
At least once before winter, with follow-up visits if needed.
Are rodent treatments safe for kids & pets?
Yes — when done by licensed professionals using approved methods.
Don’t wait for winter guests
Stop rodents before they move in.
Book a free winter rodent inspection today with BR Pest Control — trusted by UAE families and businesses.
