Rodents can be a difficult pest to get rid of and can cause all sorts of issues the longer they are able to run free in your home. Rats and mice can damage household items, can cause serious destruction to your actual home, and can even spread illness to your family or pets. Homeowners can prevent rodents from entering their homes by following a few tips and developing a few good habits that go a long way in rodent prevention. Taking steps to keep rodents out of your house is key to never having to deal with a full rodent infestation. Rodents multiply rapidly and can easily become an infestation if not addressed swiftly. Make an effort now to prevent rodents from coming into your home by following these three rodent prevention tips.
Clean up your yard
Rodents often make nests in and around your yard before they venture inside. To prevent a mouse or rat from scoping out your home, stop them from getting too close by making your yard less appealing to them. Deeply mulched flower beds or piles of leaves can look like home sweet home to a rodent. Especially during the fall season, if you rake up big piles of leaves, bag them and remove them from your property to avoid a rodent infestation.
Block entry points
Rodents find ways into your home through holes, cracks, space between the door and door jams, windows that do not shut properly, or through damaged roofs. While you are outside, cleaning up the yard, take some time to inspect the outside of your home for any possible entry points for rodents like mice and rats. Keep in mind that the smallest gap can be space enough for a rodent to enter your home. You may need a ladder to get eyes on your roof because it is often out of your line of sight. If there are damaged shingles, a rodent can get under there to the wood and gnaw their way into your attic. Any holes, gaps, or spaces that are larger than ¼ of an inch should be sealed to prevent rodents from getting into your house.
If this seems like a large task, a rodent control service can block and seal potential entry points for you.
Keep a tidy home
Lastly, keeping your home clean and clutter free is an excellent way to prevent rodents from wanting to come inside. Develop habits like:
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Sweep after every meal
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Put all trash and food scraps in a trash can with a lid
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Wipe down counters and table with an all purpose spray
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Clean out attic, basement, or garage at regular intervals during the year
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Take trash out when full and put in an outdoor trash can with a lid
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Contain all eating to the kitchen or dining room
To be sure rodents stay out of your house, give a pest control service a call to inspect and treat your property for rodents. If you are in Bakersfield, CA, give San Joaquin Pest Control in Visalia a call today.
