What triggers rodents living outdoors to move into buildings?

Rodents living outdoors are often triggered to move into buildings primarily due to colder temperatures outside. As temperatures drop, their natural habitats can become less hospitable and food sources may become scarce. Buildings offer warmth, shelter from the elements, and easier access to food, making them an attractive option for survival during colder months.

While increased food availability can certainly attract rodents, it is typically the combination of harsh environmental conditions like low temperatures that drives them to seek refuge indoors. Higher humidity levels may also influence rodent behavior, swaying them toward preferable environments, but it is not as significant a factor as temperature changes. Seasonal breeding patterns, while relevant to rodent populations, do not directly correlate to the immediate need for shelter from the climate.