Rodents and humans have shared a long history together, but there’s no reason for us to share our homes as well. So, how do you make your home less inviting to rodents?

Key Steps to a Rodent Free Home

1.  Seal All Food Sources – Seal any containers with food — human or pet — and don’t leave crumbs, grease and other food aftermath on the counter, stove or table. It’s best to have seals on the trash cans as well.
2. Get Rid of Interior Water Leaks – It may seem over the top, but cover those drains if you suspect activity. Make sure your faucets don’t leak. Fix any defective pipes or drains. Don’t give them an easy, free water source.
3. Check Your attic and/or Basement For Activity — Look for torn up insulation, chewed beams, and droppings. Traditional traps can be effective, but only if you let the mice take the bait the first time or two.
4. Seal Trash – Make sure all your outdoor trash cans have secure, tight lids.
5. Get Rid of Exterior Leaks and Standing Water – Fix all leaking hoses, and make sure there is no standing water or pet waste (i.e, dog poop).
6. Clean Up Junk – No junk or trash out in the yard or under a porch. That includes lumber, old boxes, anything rodents could use as shelter.
7. Keep Trees & Shrubbery Trimmed – Trim the trees and bushes back from the house. Rodents can use them as bridges to gain access to your home when they can’t find another way. While you’re at it, conduct a thorough inspection of the outside of your home and look for any possible entryways. Common areas are where utilities enter the home or floor drains and sewer pipe grates, even transoms and letter drops. If you find some, fix them.

Conclusion

Remember, rats can get through almost anything, and steel wool is only a temporary solution. When securing openings and potential openings from rodent entry, use sheet metal, heavy wire mesh, or good, ol’ fashioned concrete and brick and mortar. Taking these measures should help. But, if you have a rodent infestation or simply want a professional to ensure the job is done, let us be your backup. We’ll not only rid your home of the rodents, but we’ll show you where they’re getting in and work with you to plug the holes.