We have experienced 65 percent more rodent calls in December and January from the previous year. When winter starts, rats and mice make their way into man-made structures to avoid the wet and the cold. When the weather drops in temperature, this forced the rats and mice inside to look for a warmer place to harbor. If you hear scratching noises it is probably mice. You will usually find mice in the kitchen area, their droppings are quite easy to spot. If the noises are louder and normally when it’s dark outside, then it’s likely a rat. Rats forage for food and water during the day. If you hear what sounds like rats having a party in the attic, then it’s a squirrel.