Updated: Dec 26, 2022
Perhaps all homeowners have the problem of rodents invading their homes. Seeing mice or rats running in your kitchen is not a pleasant feeling, right? Well, what to do to get rid of rodents or how to prevent them from appearing inside the home? Keep reading, because in this guide we have singled out easy tips that will help you prevent rodents’ presence in your home.
Install door sweeps on exterior doors, and repair damaged screens
Rodents are quite common in the US. In addition, they multiply and adapt to new environments quickly. Keep in mind that if you find a mouse in your home it can mean they are actually dozens hiding in the walls. And as mice can invade homes through the smallest openings or cracks, first of all, you should focus on the exterior doors. The gap under the doors from a garage to the outside of a home is over ½-inch. This space allows for either rats or mice to enter the garage. So, just add door sweeps to exclude their access.
On the other hand, take into account the fact that damaged screens can also become a reason for mice and rats invading homes. Make sure that there are no cracks or openings in screens.
Screen vents and openings to chimneys
When rats and mice get into a house, chimneys are common nesting sites. If you have to get the rats out yourself, consider setting traps. Rat traps attract and catch rats, so, in case of live rodents in your fireplace or chimney, set traps on the floor of the fireplace or nearby. Note: Do not use rat poison if you have children or pets. Ensure following all package directions carefully when setting the traps. Otherwise, you can also hire pest removal specialists.
At the same time, always keep your chimneys professionally clean. Deep clean all the tables, food storage areas, cupboards, floors, dishes, and appliances. Don’t leave food or crumbs out, and be sure all food is stored in sealed containers, as rodents usually look for food and water when entering homes.
Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry
After the winter months, attics and basements are ideal places for rodents to settle in. The pests can damage the building structure of your home by chewing through wooden beams or wires. So, what to do? Consider storing food in airtight containers, then get rid of garbage regularly, and be sure attics, and crawl spaces are well-ventilated and dry. In addition, store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home. These steps will help homeowners reduce the probability of mice invading their homes to look for food or shelter. Ensure that these steps are done regularly to prevent their future appearance as well.
Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags, and other packages brought into the home
Rodents are everywhere, and due to their small size, they can easily move around and settle anywhere. They can get into places such as boxes, grocery bags and stay unnoticeable. So, it’s important to inspect all the packages that you brought into the home. Besides doing the above-mentioned steps regularly, you should inspect these items every day. In addition, you can check them up before entering the home for evidence of rodents.
Keep in mind that having mice and rats invade your home can be dangerous for you and your family. The rodents can cause many diseases such as salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and E. coli infection.
Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains that provide the perfect breeding site for pests
Finally, the last easy tip is to eliminate all moisture sites including pipes and clogged drains. The latter provides the perfect breeding sites for pests. Rodents are too small in size, and they can fit into very small holes. These holes can be anything from an area around a pipe or vent to a seal around a window or door. They can chew through insulation and other easy access points. It is also worth mentioning that rodents breed too fast. So, check out for the pipes and clogged drains to keep the areas rodent-free and prevent their breeding processes in your homes.
