It’s getting cold eh! As the chill starts to set in and daylight gets shorter each day, around Glasgow we might start thinking about thicker jumpers and keeping the heating costs down. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones heading indoors once the frost arrives, while some insects hide away through the colder months, others – including rats, mice, squirrels and cluster flies – stay active and look for the same comforts we do: warmth, food and shelter. At Strathclyde Pest Control, we see this every winter across Glasgow, East Kilbride and Lanarkshire. Many homes show signs of activity long before anyone notices. To help you stay one step ahead, here’s a simple checklist to protect your home this winter — because not everything hibernates when the cold sets in.
Check Your Loft and Roof Spaces
Lofts are cosy, tucked-away spaces that stay dry and warm — ideal spots for small animals to settle in. Tiny gaps in vents, soffits or under the tiles are all they need to squeeze inside.
Signs to watch for:
- Droppings, chewed packaging or bits of insulation used for nesting
- Scratching sounds at night around the loft or eaves
- Overhanging branches that let squirrels or rats reach the roof
Ben, our pest controller, is happy to inspect your property. After years of dealing with Glasgow homes, he can spot the subtle signs that most people miss.
Seal Around Pipes, Vents and Cables
Rodents often find their way indoors through holes left around pipework, boiler flues or cables. Once they’ve made it in, they rarely leave without help.
Quick fixes include:
- Plugging holes with wire wool or sealant that contains metal fibres
- Adding bristle strips under exterior doors
- Making sure vents have covers that fit securely
These small tasks form the backbone of good proofing and make a huge difference in keeping your home protected
Keep Garages, Sheds and Outbuildings in Check
Garages and sheds are quiet, often cluttered, and full of soft nesting materials. Keeping them tidy is one of the easiest ways to reduce risk.
Try to:
- Store any food you may have hidden away or seeds and pet supplies in containers with tight lids
- Keep boxes and bags off the floor
- Avoid leaving piles of rags, cardboard or insulation lying about
Good housekeeping might not sound high-tech, but it’s one of the most effective and humane pest control methods there is.
Be Alert for Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are slow-moving insects that appear around windows, lofts and roof spaces, particularly in older houses near open fields. They don’t bite or spread disease, but large numbers can become a nuisance.
A vacuum and a bit of sealant around vents or cracks usually helps. If they keep returning, our team can treat the area safely using approved methods under the Control of Pesticides Regulations and the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Read more in our guide: Cluster Fly Control in Glasgow
Keep an Eye on Bins and Waste
Even in winter, bins remain one of the biggest attractants for rats and mice. Damp conditions break down food faster, creating strong smells that pests can pick up from afar.
To prevent infestations:
- Keep bin lids closed tightly
- Clean around the bins regularly and repair broken lids
- Avoid leaving bin bags or food scraps outside overnight
Ben checks this during risk assessments at cafés, takeaways and other commercial sites. A clean, secure bin area is one of the best forms of pest prevention.
Check Warm Indoor Spots
Rodents love quiet, warm areas such as behind kitchen units, near boilers or under sinks. If you’ve heard scratching or found droppings in these areas, it could mean early signs of an infestation.
Look for:
- Small droppings or a musky odour
- Chewed wires, cables or packaging
- Pets acting strangely near certain cupboards
Deal with it quickly — rodents breed fast, and delaying action gives them time to cause damage to wiring or insulation.
Book a Winter Pest Check
A quick inspection now can save a lot of hassle later. As a family-run business, we personally carry out every visit and work hard to provide a friendly, local and trustworthy service. We use professional-grade yet humane techniques, focusing on proofing and prevention rather than chemicals or bait. Instead of relying on poison, we focus on blocking entry points, giving tailored prevention advice, and following up so your property stays pest-free all year. It’s about peace of mind and safe, humane pest control that works.
Stay Ahead This Winter
The Scottish winter doesn’t stop pests — it just changes their behaviour. Whether it’s rats nesting in lofts or flies hiding in attics, early action is the best defence. If you’ve noticed scratching, droppings or activity near the bins, get in touch. We’re local to Glasgow and Lanarkshire, and we take pride in offering honest, straightforward pest control that keeps families, pets and homes safe. For fast, friendly help this winter, contact Strathclyde Pest Control today.
East Kilbride and Glasgow’s Winter Pests Quick Guide:
🐀 Rats (Brown Rats, Rattus norvegicus)
The area’s older housing stock and drainage systems make it one of the UK’s top areas for winter rat activity. Cold weather drives them indoors for warmth and food, especially near bins, boiler rooms, and loft insulation. Rats never hibernate and stay active throughout the year.
🐁 Mice (House Mice and Field Mice)
Field mice move indoors as outdoor food sources decline in winter. They’re often found in lofts, wall cavities, and behind kitchen units. Mice breed more slowly in cold weather but remain active all year long.
🐿️ Grey Squirrels
Although they don’t hibernate, grey squirrels slow down outdoors and often take shelter in roof spaces. They can damage insulation, wiring and wooden beams — a common issue in older Glasgow homes near parks and mature trees.
🪰 Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are one of the few insect pests still active in winter. They gather in attics and lofts to overwinter, especially in properties near open fields. While not harmful, they can be a serious nuisance when they appear in large numbers.
🐜 Other Indoor Pests to Watch
Cockroaches and stored-product pests like flour moths or beetles can stay active indoors thanks to central heating. Though less common, they can quickly multiply in warm, dark areas such as cupboards or pantries.
