3 Ways To Prevent Rodent Infestations
Rats and mice are two of the most common types of household pests that you can experience, and they are also one of the most destructive. Not only can they cause all sorts of structural damage to surfaces within your home, but they can also carry diseases which can pose a serious health threat. Fortunately, there are a number of different things that you can do around your yard and home to make it less likely that rodents will be able to take up residence on your property.
1. Food
The first and most important thing that you can do to reduce the risk of rodents finding their way into your home is to make an effort to remove all potential food sources for mice and rats. This means simple things, like not leaving food out on tables or countertops overnight, but also making sure that the food in your pantry is sealed within bags or plastic containers, taking the trash out regularly, and keeping pet food sealed away in containers as well (empty the bowl each night for best results).
2. Landscaping Cleaning
In order for mice and rats to make their way into your home, they first have to find their way into your yard. You should pay particular attention to trees and bushes that grow close to your home or overhang your roof, as these are prime pathways for pests to find their way into your home. You should also make an effort to keep grass trimmed low, to rake up leaves and other piles of debris, and generally keep your landscape uncluttered. This reduces the number of nesting locations that rodents can take advantage of throughout your yard, making it less likely for them to stay on your property.
3. Seal Entranceways
Finally, another extremely effective way at proactively keeping rodents out of your home is to make sure that all potential entranceways into your home are sealed off. This means that you should closely inspect your windows and doors for signs of cracking or damage: openings can be fixed by replacing the window or door entirely, or by replacing the damaged weatherstripping that has created a hole.
Further, you should have a professional come in to take a look at your roof and chimney since these are also an extremely common entranceway for rodents who manage to make their way onto your roof. Have damaged shingles and roofing materials replaced, and install a screen, cover, or other barriers to ensure that rodents, as well as birds and other pests, don't take up residence within your chimney.
For more information, contact your local rodent control company.