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Rodents are often associated with filthy places like trash bins and sewer drains. Rodents are attracted to places that have moisture and food available-they are not bothered by a little mess. Because of this many people associate a rodent infestation as something that happens only in messy and neglected homes. The reality is that rodents can potentially get into homes that are tidy and well maintained. If you want to avoid this happening at your home it is a good idea to learn what rodents are looking for and how they typically get inside of people’s homes. This information can aide you in creating an environment that is protected against these destructive pests.
What are rodents looking for?
One way to prevent rodents from trying to get inside your home is to determine what they are looking for. Knowing this information can help you take steps to avoid an infestation. In short, rodents are looking for food, water, and shelter. If you keep your home tidy there may not be any obvious problems with food being left out or standing water. But, what about the area under your sink? An undiscovered leak can attract rodents that are looking for water. Where do you store your trash? Trash cans stored near an opening to your house can attract rodents and give them the opportunity to scurry inside. Keeping your house tidy will go a long way toward preventing a rodent infestation. Adding this knowledge about what they are looking for can help you focus your efforts on previously unrecognized problem areas.
How do rodents get inside?
If you consistently keep your house tidy then it is likely that you pay attention to your home maintenance as well. You would notice any gaping holes allowing rodents to move freely in and out of your house. So how do rodents get in without such an access point? The reality is that rodents are skilled at finding-or gnawing-their way into houses. Mice and rats have been known to chew their way through a variety of building materials. In addition, rodents have the ability to squeeze through some pretty tight spaces. Breaches in the exterior of your home along the foundation or roofline may go unnoticed by you but offer just enough space for rodents to squeeze through. Water damage can create a situation where building materials are weakened allowing rodents easy access inside. Being proactive with your maintenance efforts will make it more difficult for rodents to get inside your home.
Keeping your home tidy and structurally sound will both help keep rodents away. If you do end up with a rodent infestation, do not take it as an indictment against your cleaning skills. A rodent attempting to meet its’ basic needs of food, water, and shelter will likely go to extreme lengths to get into your home. Keep up your current effort and enlist the help of a professional if rodents do find their way inside.
