As temperatures drop in the fall, rodents like mice and rats start seeking shelter, food, and warmth indoors. Without proper precautions, your home could become their haven. Taking the steps for rodent prevention is essential to keeping them out before they can cause damage or spread diseases. Here are some effective strategies for rodent control and how to maintain a pest-free home throughout the fall season.
- Inspect and Seal Entry Points
Rodents are incredibly skilled at finding even the tiniest entry points. Inspect the exterior for cracks, gaps, or holes to prevent them from entering your home. Be thorough and fill gaps using steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth, which rodents find difficult to gnaw through.
- Store Food Properly
Rodents are attracted to accessible food sources. Keep food in sealed containers, and avoid leaving out pet food or food scraps that can attract pests. Also, ensuring your kitchen and pantry clean and organized will help minimize the risk of attracting rodents.
- Maintain a Clean Yard
Rodents are often drawn to piles of leaves, debris, and firewood, which provide shelter. Rake leaves regularly, store firewood at least 20 feet from your home, and tightly seal your trash cans. Maintaining a clean yard reduces the likelihood of rodents nesting near your home.
- Keep Your Home Clutter-Free
Clutter inside your home creates hiding spots for rodents. Keep storage areas organized and off the floor, and clean spaces including your attics and basements. A clutter-free home reduces the chance of providing shelter for rodents indoors.
- Install Door Sweeps
Gaps under doors can be entryways for rodents. Installing door sweeps on exterior doors helps block bugs and drafts and prevents rodents from sneaking in. Keep in mind that the sweeps fit tightly against the floor to eliminate any space rodents might slip through.
Schedule Professional Rodent Control
Dealing with a rodent problem this fall, it’s best to contact professionals for advanced rodent control. Experts at Wingate Pest & Lawn in Columbia, MO, can provide a thorough inspection and implement effective pest control methods to keep your home rodent-free. Reach out to our professional exterminators to assess the situation and get a free estimate for eliminating rodents in your home or business.