Finding mice, rats, or other rodents in your home is an uneasy feeling. Whether in the attic, kitchen, garage, or anywhere else, a rodent sighting can be a very unwelcome surprise. Unfortunately for homeowners, these resourceful pests can easily make their way inside any building through the tiniest opening, and they don’t need much room to travel inside.
Rodents come indoors seeking shelter, especially as temperatures start to get cooler in the fall and winter months. Once inside, they can wreak havoc on a home. They can chew through wires, creating a risk for electrical fires. They also carry bacteria on their bodies, contaminating food sources and surfaces. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent a rodent infestation from happening in the first place. Follow the steps below to protect your home against rodents.
Seal Doors and Windows
One of the best ways to keep rodents out of your house is by sealing your doors and windows. Mice and rats can easily make their way through worn seals, so take an assessment of all windows and doors—including your garage door—and replace or seal gaps and cracks. Aside from keeping rodents out, resealing these areas improves your home’s energy efficiency, too.
Close Openings in Walls and Foundations
Any cracks or holes in your home’s walls and foundation are an open invitation for rodents to make their way inside. Walk around your home and carefully inspect your foundation and walls, filling any cracks you discover. If you have a brick home, weep holes allow moisture to vent out, but they also are a great location for rodents to find their way in. Use aluminum screening to cover these weep holes, as it allows for proper ventilation while keeping rodents out.
Store Food Effectively
Rodents not only come inside seeking shelter, but they’re also looking for a free meal. Keep them from snacking on your food and prevent an infestation by storing food in airtight, plastic containers. Also, make sure you’re cleaning up properly after each meal, disposing of any food scraps in sealed receptacles.
If you have pets, you should stash their food away, too. Rodents aren’t picky when it comes to food, and they’ll happily steal from your dog or cat bowls. Don’t leave your pets’ food out 24/7 and keep food in plastic containers instead of the original boxes or bags.
Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control Keeps Your Home Rodent-Free
Rodents are clever critters, and once you spot one inside your home, you know you’ve got a problem on your hands. At the first sign of a rodent infestation, call the pest control experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Apopka. Using the latest safe and effective methods, we’ll get your home rodent-free in no time. Call us today at (407) 880-6655!
