As winter approaches, the warmth of your home can attract unwanted guests like mice and rats. These pests can cause extensive damage to your property and pose serious health risks by spreading diseases. Learning tips about how to prevent rodents from entering your home is key to maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable living space during the colder months.
Why Rodent Prevention Matters During Winter
Rodents look for shelter in warm places during winter, and homes provide an ideal environment with food, water, and hiding spots. They can chew through wires, furniture, and walls, causing costly damage. Additionally, they contaminate surfaces and food supplies, spreading diseases like salmonella and hantavirus.
Practice Proper Food Management
Rodents are always on the hunt for food, and accessible supplies will keep them coming back.
Clean Kitchen Surfaces: Wipe down countertops, sweep floors, and remove crumbs to avoid attracting pests.
Dispose of Trash Regularly: Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and take out the trash frequently. Keep outdoor bins away from your home and secure lids with bungee cords if necessary.
Store Food Securely: Use airtight containers made of glass, metal, or heavy-duty plastic. These materials are chew-proof and help keep food fresh.
Secure Pet Food: Store pet food in sealed containers and avoid leaving it out overnight.
Seal Off Entry Points to Prevent Rodents From Entering
Rodents can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, making it essential to thoroughly inspect your home for potential entry points.
Install Door Sweeps: Attach door sweeps to all exterior doors to block gaps.
Inspect the Exterior: Check for cracks, holes, or gaps around windows, doors, vents, and utility pipes.
Seal Small Openings: Use caulk or weatherstripping to close gaps around windows and doors.
Block Larger Holes: Fill larger openings with steel wool or hardware cloth, which rodents find difficult to chew through. Secure these materials with heavy-duty staples or screws.
Inspect Your Home for Mice and Rats Regularly
Routine inspections and maintenance are essential to keeping rodents out of your home for good.
Inspect Foundations and Roofs: Look for new cracks or holes in your home’s structure and repair them promptly.
Check Attics and Basements: Keep these areas clean, dry, and organized. Avoid using cardboard boxes for storage; opt for plastic bins instead.
Maintain Your Yard: Trim trees and shrubs near your home to eliminate pathways for rodents. Clear debris like leaves, woodpiles, and trash that can serve as hiding spots.
When to Call a Professional for Rodent Control
If you notice any signs of a mouse or rat infestation, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or scratching noises, consider hiring a professional pest control service. Experts can provide tailored solutions to eliminate pests and prevent future invasions.
Learn more about our rodent control services.