There’s been a big increase in the presence of certain rodents and insects across Vermont this year, and experts said there’s many factors contributing to the problem. Michelle Grenier, owner of Grenier’s Pest Control, said she normally receives around one call each summer for rodent control. But last summer, she said she was receiving at least one call a week. According to Grenier, a combination of weather conditions during the summer of 2023, like the heavy rain and humid conditions, created the perfect conditions for more food and resources that allow rodent populations to thrive. But Grenier also said 2023 was a Mast Year, an occurrence that happens every three to five years when trees produce around four times the normal amount of nuts. That’s why she said she’s not surprised to see more pest populations, from insects to mice and even rats, growing over this last year. But the one thing she wants everyone to know is that rodent problems are not related to cleanliness. “Just because you have to mice in your home does not mean that you’re dirty. You can have the cleanest home,” she said. “I’ve gone into some homes that are absolutely immaculate, and they still have mice because they could be coming in for moisture. Last summer, it was so hot and so wet, I think they were going inside to get away from the heat and the water. So it doesn’t mean that you’re dirty.” Grenier said it’s also an easily treatable and mostly preventable problem. She recommends starting with eliminating potential food sources around your home that may attract critters. And, if you do find any unwanted visitors in or around your home, she said you can call an exterminator or try to take care of the problem yourself. Grenier said the best first step to take is using mouse traps, but if resorting to Rodenticide, be sure it’s out of reach from young children and pets. “Don’t just go to the hardware store and buy rodenticide and throw it everywhere. It’s very dangerous for our raptor birds, the foxes. There is no safe rodenticide,” she said. “If you want to do it yourself, set up snap traps, look around your foundation, close up where they’re coming in and also maintaining the direct area outside your home.”