Just like any other living creature, pests like rats, insects and reptiles are affected by freezing conditions. Long exposure to super frigid conditions can be life threatening to most any organism. Warm-blooded animals are most sensitive to cold extremes. Rodents like rats, mice, squirrels, and raccoons all fit into this category.
Not long ago, we discovered a family of raccoons living in an attic. They were there to escape the cold snap which has taken hold in Florida. In an attic, these creatures are seeking a place away from the cold temperature and other weather elements such as rain and wind. Around their new nest they can leave animal droppings which can seriously affect the quality of life for the people living in the home.
Pest droppings carry with it a host of dangerous diseases including Baylisascariasis, or raccoon roundworm, & Leptospirosis. When the weather returns to normal these pests will move out, leaving behind a mess that can be dangerous as well as costly to clean up.
Pests can also seek shelter in your crawl space below or along side of the home. These spaces should be checked periodically for signs of pest infestation. Signs are usually droppings as well as chewing or knaw marks. If you discover these signs you should call a pest control company immediately.
Preventative measures work best. Making sure there are no access points into your attic or crawl spaces is well worth your time and effort. Make sure any space is well repaired and that the fix is hard to dislodge as these pests can be very aggressive when it comes to trying to gain entry into your home.
Not having a lot of debris around your home is also recommended. Make sure the trash is taken away from the home at least once per week.