During which of the following seasons are rodents more likely to seek shelter in urban areas?

Rodents are particularly prone to seek shelter in urban areas during the fall. As temperatures begin to drop and natural food sources, such as seeds and nuts, become less abundant, rodents look for warmer environments to survive the colder months. Urban areas provide not only warmth but also abundant food resources found in trash, food storage, and other human activities. The fall season is a transitional period where these animals instinctively search for safety and sustenance in order to prepare for winter, making urban settings appealing.

While spring also presents some movement of rodents as they emerge from hibernation or become more active, their primary motive then is more about reproduction and foraging rather than seeking shelter. In summer, the warmer weather provides natural habitats and food sources outside, reducing the need for urban shelter. In winter, although rodents do seek shelter, many have already established their winter nesting locations in the fall. Thus, understanding these seasonal behaviors is vital for effective pest control and management strategies in urban settings.