Rodents have been a problem for humans for centuries. They carry many diseases and cause extensive property damage. Learn tried and true methods for preventing rodent infestations and keeping them out of your home.
Regular inspections of your home and yard can help prevent an infestation. Inspect for entry points, signs of insect rodent control activity, and conditions that attract them.
1. Seal Up
Ensure all doors to buildings are closed and shut securely. Keep trash containers and dumpsters tightly sealed and dispose of waste promptly. Keep landscapes well maintained to minimize rodent harborage.
Check inside and outside of buildings for cracks and gaps. Both rats and mice can fit through openings the size of a pencil (1/4 inch). Plug holes with caulk, cement, metal sheeting or knitted copper mesh or steel wool.
Seal up ductwork, electrical conduits and pipes through walls, floors and ceilings to prevent pests from accessing these areas and traveling between them.
2. Trap
Rodents can cause fires by gnawing on wires and they spread diseases through their urine and droppings. They also increase asthma and allergies in some people.
Rodent infestations should be addressed promptly to prevent the spread of disease and damage property. A professional pest control company is often the best way to do this.
Remove brush, debris and ground cover around buildings to reduce hiding places for rodents. Keep firewood piles raised off the ground and mulch at least 12 inches away from building foundations.
3. Clean Up
Rodents love to chew through anything they can find, resulting in damage and health hazards. They are also known to spread diseases through droppings.
To prevent this from happening, make sure to regularly dispose of garbage in trash receptacles that have lids on them and reduce clutter throughout the property. Also, keep food in refrigerators or in sealed containers when not eating.
In addition, trim trees, shrubs and bushes to remove potential hiding spots. Also, if you use a bird feeder, remove any seeds that may fall off onto the ground.
4. Remove Access Points
Rodents and insects carry bacteria, germs and pathogens that can make people sick. They also contaminate food supplies and exacerbate health problems like asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.
Keeping your property clean and removing access points will help prevent rodent infestations. Store foods in airtight containers to prevent rodents from finding crumbs and spills. Sheds and outdoor storage buildings should not be used to store any type of food.
Seal crevices and cracks, especially around utility lines and plumbing. Mice can fit through holes the size of a pencil, and rats can squeeze through openings 3/4 of an inch in diameter.
5. Removing Food
Rodents are primarily nocturnal and are drawn to food and shelter, so removing accessible sources can discourage them from living on your property. Store food in closed containers, clean up crumbs and other spills immediately, and dispose of trash on a regular basis.
Rats and mice can squeeze through holes as tiny as a dime, so it is important to seal any cracks or crevices found around your property. Also look for signs of gnaws on walls, corners, and entry points. These are good indications that there is a rodent problem.
6. Remove Nesting Sites
Rodents seek shelter, food and places to raise their young when they are not hunting. They will nest near your home and in your yard if there is a readily available supply of these items. Keep compost piles, bushes and firewood at least 3 feet away from your house to prevent rodents from finding their way to these natural homes.
Discard all rodent droppings and nesting materials promptly after they are found. Clean up and disinfect areas where mice have been present to eliminate bacteria they have contaminated, including kitchen surfaces and equipment.
7. Seal Up
Rodents can carry diseases that can be dangerous to pets and humans. They can also chew through wires that could cause fires inside a house.
Inside the home, food should be properly stored and all garbage containers closed. Outdoors, remove piles of wood and stacks of construction materials as these are perfect hiding spots for rodents.
Check regularly for cracks and holes in the foundation, walls and roof. Use caulk, hardware cloth, coarse steel wool or sheet metal to seal up any openings. There are also snap traps available that don’t kill the rodent on impact if you prefer this method.
8. Removing Sources of Water
Rodents love to seek out water and shelter, which makes sanitary measures an important part of rodent control. Clutter and areas that collect rainwater attract pests, so clean up regularly.
Also, make sure there are no “natural homes” for rodents adjacent to your property, such as compost piles, bushes, firewood or ivy. Keep them a minimum of 3 feet away from your buildings. Peppermint oil and dryer sheets can also be used as a deterrent. Inspect custodial closets, laundry rooms and vending areas for signs of pests often.
9. Seal Up
Rodents can chew through wood and ductwork, cause fires by gnawing on electrical wires, and transmit pathogens. Sanitation is a key part of rodent control and should be included in any pest prevention plan.
This includes keeping food in containers that rodents can’t chew through, and cleaning up spilled foods quickly. It also means fixing leaky pipes so rodents don’t have water.
Use spring traps to capture rodents inside the home or outbuildings if they are found, baiting with peanut butter if possible. Keep traps out of reach of children and pets.
10. Monitor
Safe rodent control have high reproduction rates, and a small infestation can quickly become a huge problem. They damage buildings and property by chewing through insulation and electrical wires, and spread pathogens such as salmonella and hantavirus.
They leave visible rub marks as they follow established pathways between nests and food sources. Recognizing these pathways is essential to controlling rodents. Keep in mind that rodents have poor vision and rely more on their sense of smell and whiskers to navigate. Keeping food in tamper-proof containers helps to deter them.
