Don’t let rodents invade your home this winter. With a little knowledge and understanding you can prevent this pest.
Rodents are sneaky. They usually enter our homes without being detected. The saying “quiet as a mouse” did become famous without a reason. But in order to survive they need to be quiet and get into safe places – like your house. Once they’re nestled inside your garage, attic or some other part of your home, rodents are set. It’s warm and protected with food, and your home becomes the best place for them to raise a family…
The most common rodent pests are rats and mice, but there are also raccoons, gophers, voles, beavers and squirrels that can find their way into our homes. This fall, rodents will search for food and shelter in the most convenient places that they can find, which makes our home vulnerable to them.
In most cases, rodent infestation can be controlled without having to resort to the use of poisons. Homes that practice good sanitation can prevent most rodent problems. However, if rodents are found in your home, your home may be in danger since they can easily damage the house structure, contaminate food and transmit disease to people. Signs of rodent infestation include droppings, gnawed plastic or furniture, tracks of rodent sightings, and the presence of their musky odor. So how do you stop rodents from entering your home?
Signs of Rodent Infestation
Droppings and Urine Trails
An estimated 70 times per day of fecal droppings are being left by rodents so it is certainly going to catch the attention of homeowners. They can be found in food and storage areas where these rodents hide. Urine trails on the other hand, has the ability to cause allergies in some children and can also attract more mice that are often found along the walls or floor. Both droppings and urine trails are seen especially in corners where they travel or rest.
Dark Smears
Dark smears or rub marks that are made by oil from rodents’ hair as they move through surfaces
Gnaw Marks
Gnaw marks that can range from scratch-like tooth marks to clearly visible ones on food containers, floors or walls are a sure sign that your home is also the home of rodents.
Distinctive, musky odor
Such odor that linger in homes could irritating children and sensitive individuals. This odor could also indicate that your home is unsanitary.
Unwanted sounds
House pets becoming agitated because they hear or see rodents gnawing, digging, running or fighting.
Ways to Prevent Rodents from Entering your Home
Food
When food is plentiful, there is a chance that these pests will be attracted to your home. Even small populations can cause serious damage. Make sure that you seal your food properly. Have your own rodent proof containers such as using plastic bins and metal canisters. These types of containers can make certain that your food is not contaminated by a potential rodent.
Search for entry points
Carefully inspect the exterior of the home for any gaps and holes. If found, have these areas sealed since rodents can easily sneak into your home even through the smallest of gaps. So be certain that you check this carefully. Use a sealant that is rodent-proof to be sure that they do not gain or regain passage.
Check the kitchen
Whether you think you have a squirrel or raccoon, or the common mice or rats, all of these rodents love to go to the kitchen. Search for hidden entry points such as behind appliances, pantries and within cabinets.
Check storage areas
Crawl spaces and attics are often visited by squirrels and raccoons since they can easily gain entry from a window above and may start harbouring in those areas. Basements on the other hand are frequented by mice and rats. Although all rodents can be found in any part of the house at some point. These storage areas tend to be forgotten by most homeowners and may not be given appropriate attention. However, you should regularly check these areas for potential entry points.
Get rid of potential harbourage
Woodpiles should be kept at a safe distance from the house since they can become a potential home for these pesky rodents.
Clean your environment
During winter, rodents will be in search for accessible and comfortable harbourage where their three basic needs are met. They need food, water and shelter. If these rodents find it in your home, they will for sure stay there until you find them and get rid of them. Always clean up the interior and exterior of your home from clutter and fix any problems that may be present to avoid any infestation.
Don’t let rodents invade your home. For high-quality rodent control, trust Preventive Pest Control. Call now for a FREE estimate.