As the autumn rains turn to snow and sub-zero temperatures set in, life changes for many wild animals. For rats and mice, winter means a fight for survival - and it's our homes that are in the firing line.
During the cold months, rodents seek shelter where they can find what they need most: warmth and food.
- "As soon as it gets cold, rodents start moving inwards. They are attracted by the heat radiating from houses and buildings. For them, your home is a perfect winter nest", says Professor Örjan Johansson at Luleå University of Technology (LTU).
👉 Read more about Repello and order here
Small openings - big problems
Rats and mice are incredibly skilful at getting into buildings.
A mouse can squeeze through a gap of just six millimetres, much like a small buttonhole. Rats can squeeze through holes that are slightly larger - often so small you don't even think about them.
This means that even houses that appear airtight can have weaknesses that rodents quickly exploit.
Common inputs are:
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Drains and floor drains - rats can swim and get up through the drain system.
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Leaky doors and garage doors - a gap of just one centimetre is enough.
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Cracks in the facade - small damages in external walls become perfect entry points.
- "Many people are shocked when they realise how little it takes for a rat to get in. You may think your home is safe, but all it takes is a small crack or gap in a door for them to find their way in," says Johansson.
Hidden risks - both to the home and to health
Once rodents get in, problems can quickly grow.
They are not always immediately visible, so damage is often only recognised when it has become serious.
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Fire risk: Rats like to gnaw on electrical cables, which can cause short circuits and, in the worst case, fire.
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Diseases: Rodents can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that are spread in the home.
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Destroyed furnishings: Food items, insulation, furniture and textiles can be destroyed in a short time.
According to insurance companies, the cost of a single rat infestation can run into tens of thousands of euros - and not everything may be covered by home insurance.
👉 Read more about Repello and order here
New research gives hope - rats flee in terror
Developed in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology (LTU) and based on research evaluated by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Repello is the result of years of studying rat behaviour and is based on scientifically documented alarm signals.
Unlike traditional ultrasonic devices, which rodents often get used to, Repello uses natural signals that rats and mice interpret as acute danger.
When they hear these sounds, their ancient flight instinct is activated - an instinctive behaviour that makes them leave immediately.
- "When they hear the signals, they are simply terrified and flee. And unlike older methods, once they leave the area, they don't return," explains Ms Johansson.
In addition, Repello has a specially designed sound chamber that allows signals to travel further and be significantly louder than traditional products.
How you can prevent a rodent invasion
Experts recommend a combination of prevention and protection in critical areas to avoid rodent entry during winter.
Here are some key steps:
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Inspect the house carefully - look for cracks, holes and gaps around the façade, especially near ground level.
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Protect drains - install grates in floor drains to prevent rats from getting up through the sewer system.
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Place shelters in strategic locations - basements, attics, kitchens and garages are particularly vulnerable areas.
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Keep clean - store food in tightly sealed jars, sweep up crumbs and avoid leaving food out.
One Repello unit covers up to40 m² and is completely harmless to people and pets.
👉 Try it risk-free for 30 days!
About repello
Repello was founded when Professor Örjan Johansson, in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology, developed the world's first scientifically proven ultrasonic rat repellent. The result: rats quickly disappeared - and never came back. The research was also evaluated by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Today, we offer safe and research-based pest control for your home.
