January is the month of fresh starts. New routines, new goals and a promise that this will be the year everything finally gets organised. Unfortunately, while we reset, pests rarely take the hint. In fact, January is often when certain pest problems really start to show themselves.
A delayed winter, shifting weather patterns with longer spells of mild conditions mean pests do not always behave the way we expect. Some stick around longer than usual. Others start preparing for the months ahead much earlier. January may feel quiet on the surface, but behind the scenes, pests are already planning their next move.
This month, we are focusing on rodents, moles and squirrels. Three pests that thrive on disruption, changing seasons and the chance to settle in before spring arrives.
Rodents: Hanging Around Longer Than Expected
Rodents remain the number one pest concern as we head into 2026. Rats and mice typically increase activity during winter (21st December marked the first official day of the change of season), but recent years have shown that delayed cold snaps can keep these furry invaders active for much longer. Instead of retreating or slowing down, rodents continue to search for food and shelter well into the new year.
Milder winters allow rodents to forage outdoors for longer, while wetter conditions push them indoors more frequently. This unpredictability means activity levels can spike suddenly. A quiet December does not always mean you are in the clear. January often reveals the problem once rodents have fully established themselves in lofts, garages, sheds and wall cavities.
Signs to watch out for include droppings, gnawing traces on stored items and wiring, tail drag marks and unusual scratching sounds in ceilings or behind walls. Kitchens, utility rooms and loft spaces remain the most common hotspots. Rodents are also drawn to stored bird feed, pet food and leftover festive treats that have not been sealed properly.
January is a critical time to act. Addressing rodent activity now reduces the risk of breeding cycles continuing into spring. A new year is the perfect time to tighten proofing, refresh baiting strategies and make sure rodents do not get a head start on the months ahead.
Moles: Popping Up as the Year Gets Going
Moles may not be the first pest people think about in January, but this is when their activity begins to increase. As soil conditions change and food becomes harder to find underground, moles start expanding their tunnel systems. This often results in fresh molehills appearing seemingly overnight.
Moles feed primarily on earthworms and soil insects, which means their activity is heavily influenced by ground conditions. Wetter soils make tunnelling easier and allow moles to cover larger areas. This is why mole activity often increases at the start of the year, even before spring arrives.
Their lifecycle follows a predictable pattern. Mating season begins in late winter, with breeding occurring shortly after. By early spring, activity ramps up significantly as moles prepare for raising young. January is the warning phase. The small signs you see now often lead to widespread damage later.
Fresh mounds, raised ridges across lawns or fields, and disturbed turf are common indicators. While moles are solitary creatures, a single mole can cause extensive damage over a short period of time. Lawns, paddocks and sports grounds are particularly vulnerable.
Dealing with moles early prevents the problem escalating as spring approaches. If left untreated, mole activity can peak just as outdoor spaces are being prepared for the warmer months. Spotting the signs now gives you a chance to take control before they really pop out in force.
Squirrels: The Silent Winter Problem
Squirrels are often underestimated as a pest, especially during winter. However, January is one of the most important times to look out for them. A species of rodent, Grey Squirrels remain active throughout the colder months and frequently move into eaves and loft spaces for warmth and nesting.
Once inside, squirrels can cause serious damage. They chew through wooden beams, insulation and electrical wiring. This not only creates costly repairs but also increases fire risk. Their strong teeth make them far more destructive than many people realise.
Squirrels also begin breeding early in the year, with one of their breeding seasons starting around January. This means a single squirrel in a loft can quickly become a much bigger issue if not addressed promptly.
Signs of squirrel activity include loud scurrying noises during the day, unlike rodents which are usually nocturnal. You may also find shredded insulation or damage around roof edges and soffits. Entry points are often found near rooflines, damaged tiles or overhanging branches.
January is the ideal time to inspect loft spaces and roof areas while activity is still manageable. Preventative proofing and early intervention can save significant disruption later in the year.
Same Pests, New Priorities
The idea of a new year often brings a sense of control and organisation. When it comes to pests, January is about staying one step ahead. Changing weather patterns mean pests are less predictable than ever. Delayed winters, wetter conditions and longer mild spells can all shift pest behaviour dramatically.
Rodents continue to thrive indoors, moles quietly prepare for spring, and squirrels take advantage of undisturbed spaces. Addressing these issues now sets the tone for a pest controlled year ahead.
New year, new you, same pests. The difference is how early you spot them and how quickly you act.
