Last month, the team from Buffalo Exterminators stopped by WIVB-TV for a sponsored segment on Daytime Buffalo to talk about something that’s been getting worse across Western New York the past few years: rodents inside the home.
And if you live in Buffalo, Amherst, Cheektowaga, West Seneca, or anywhere in Erie County, you already know — once the cold hits, mice start looking for warmth.
But here’s what didn’t fully fit into the TV time slot.
Let’s go deeper…
How Rodents Actually Get Into Buffalo Homes
Most homeowners assume mice come in through a big obvious hole.
They don’t.
A mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime. A rat can squeeze through something the size of a quarter.
In Buffalo homes — especially older properties — common entry points include:
• Gaps along foundation walls
• Cracks behind exterior window trim
• Holes where utility lines enter
• Unsealed gaps under siding
• Soffit and fascia separations
• Basement bulkhead gaps
• Pipe penetrations under kitchen sinks
And because of Western New York’s freeze-thaw cycles, small cracks expand every winter. That creates new openings each year.
Once they’re inside, it’s rarely just one.
________________________________________
The Spots Homeowners Almost Never Check
During the segment, we mentioned one area that surprises people:
Behind the stove.
Most homeowners never pull it out. And that’s often where we find droppings first.
Other overlooked areas:
• Under the kitchen sink around plumbing lines
• Behind refrigerators
• Inside basement ceiling voids
• Along sill plates in unfinished basements
• Inside garage corners
• Around hot water heaters and furnaces
Contractors sometimes leave small gaps when running pipes or wiring. Mice find those quickly.
If you want to do a quick self-check:
• Look for droppings (small, dark pellets)
• Listen for scratching in walls at night
• Watch for gnaw marks on food packaging
• Notice shredded insulation or paper
If you see one mouse during the day, that’s usually a sign there are more.
________________________________________
Why Exterior Inspections Matter So Much in Buffalo
In Western New York, winter drives rodents inward. But prevention always starts outside.
Exterior inspections focus on:
• Identifying foundation gaps
• Sealing siding penetrations
• Checking attic vents
• Inspecting soffits and fascia
• Looking at where decks attach to the house
• Evaluating landscaping that touches siding
Vegetation is a big one. Overgrown shrubs and stacked firewood create what we call “rodent highways” straight to your structure.
And if your backyard — or even your neighbor’s — has food sources or clutter, that increases pressure on your home.
Exterior Bait Stations: How They Work
On the show, we talked about exterior bait stations.
Here’s why they’re important.
Instead of rodents searching for a way into your home, bait stations attract them outside. They feed there instead of pushing further inward.
Modern rodent baits used by professionals are designed to work gradually. Within several days, the rodent population declines significantly.
But bait alone isn’t enough.
If entry points remain open, new rodents can move in.
That’s why exclusion — physically sealing gaps with steel mesh, metal flashing, or durable materials — is critical.
Foam alone is not enough. Rodents chew through it easily.
What “Exclusion” Really Means
Toby mentioned exclusion work during the segment.
That’s the hands-on part most homeowners don’t see.
Depending on the situation, sealing might involve:
• Steel wool reinforced with sealant
• Hardware cloth mesh
• Aluminum flashing
• Steel paneling
• Professional-grade caulking
• Custom-fitted metal plates
Every home is different. A 1920s North Buffalo home is very different from a newer Amherst build.
The material has to match the vulnerability.
Why Rodent Problems Have Increased in WNY
We’ve seen rodent activity increase across Buffalo and surrounding suburbs over the past few years.
Contributing factors include:
• Milder winters
• Construction and development displacing nesting areas
• Urban density
• Food availability
• Aging housing stock
Older homes especially need periodic exterior reviews because small structural shifts over time create new openings.
What Homeowners Can Do Right Now
If you want to reduce rodent pressure around your Buffalo home:
• Keep garbage bins sealed tightly
• Avoid leaving pet food out overnight
• Trim shrubs at least 12 inches from siding
• Move firewood away from the house
• Clean under appliances periodically
• Seal visible exterior cracks before winter
• Keep basement areas uncluttered
Rodents look for three things: food, shelter, and warmth.
If you reduce those opportunities, you reduce risk.
When It’s Time to Call Professionals
If you’re seeing:
• Multiple droppings
• Rodents during daylight
• Scratching sounds in walls
• Strong odors
• Chewed wiring or packaging
It’s time for a full inspection.
At Buffalo Exterminators, we don’t just set traps and leave. We inspect kitchens, basements, exterior foundations, attic spaces — the full structure.
Seal the openings. Address what’s inside. Prevent what’s outside.
That’s how rodent control works long-term in Buffalo, NY.
If you caught our segment on WIVB-TV or Daytime Buffalo, you heard the short version.
This is the deeper one, and if rodents are already making themselves comfortable in your home this winter or early spring, now is the right time to stop them — before the next season begins.
