What drives rodents to seek harborage indoors during autumn?

Rodents are driven to seek harborage indoors during autumn primarily due to the need for shelter before winter. As temperatures drop and food sources become less abundant in their natural habitats, rodents look for warmer environments to survive the harsh conditions of the winter months. Indoor spaces provide a stable climate, protection from predators, and a reduced risk of starvation. This search for shelter is instinctual, as it increases their chances of survival during the cold season.

While food scarcity and need for nesting materials can play a role in their behavior, the overarching driver in autumn is the urgency to secure a safe and warm place to live as winter approaches. Competing with other rodents is generally less of a factor compared to the survival instinct that prompts them to find shelter. Thus, the primary motivation behind their movements into homes and other structures is to find a suitable refuge from the impending cold.