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Why and how rodents invade Tucson homes in winter

You pull out a box of keepsakes from the garage—maybe old family photos or a collection of holiday decorations—only to find chewed corners, shredded paper, or that distinct rodent odor. It’s frustrating, and it feels personal. When rats or mice make themselves at home in your space, the damage they leave behind can be more than just material.

As the cooler desert nights settle over Tucson in the winter months, rodents begin searching for warmth. And unfortunately, your home might be the ideal spot. Attics, garages, and wall voids provide not just shelter, but a quiet, safe environment to nest and reproduce.

These pests are resourceful. They can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime and will use any opportunity—a loose roof tile, gaps around plumbing, or openings under doors—to gain access. Once inside, they’re likely to settle in for the season unless you intervene.