Rodents like to find a cozy, warm place before the cold winter weather crashes in. They look for points of entry in your garage, home, and car. They can fit through a crack or hole as small as one-quarter of an inch (the approximate width of a pencil)! Then, they settle in as unwanted guests! It’s wise to be aware of rodent control methods. The following are some techniques and tips for preventing rodents from entering your home and dealing with a rodent infestation.
How To Keep Rodents From Entering Your Garage And Home
It’s wise to be proactive! Stop rodents before they enter your home with the following techniques.
- Seal all outside cracks and holes with wire mesh and a caulking gun, or apply quick-drying cement. Check your walls, foundation, roof, basement, attic, windows, crawl space, doors, attic vents, and around outdoor faucets and cable wire.
- Seal all indoor cracks and holes using steel wool or caulk. Check under your sinks, the washing machine, the fireplace, between wall and floor junctions, and inside/behind cabinets.
- Trim shrubs/bushes near your home, reducing cover and preventing rodents from approaching undetected.
- Keep pet food/foodstuffs in airtight containers, clean spills quickly, and remove crumbs promptly.
- Enclose electric wires with steel wool.
- Purchase trash receptacles with tight sealing lids.
- Keep your garden/yard clean. Remove unpicked vegetables and fallen fruit.
- Keep your basement/attic clutter-free.
- Empty your compost container frequently.
- Keep your litter box clean.
- Stack all firewood away from your home.
- Utilize scent repellents (eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint, chilli oil, cinnamon, etc.) by placing a few drops on a cotton ball/small sponge and placing them near entry points.
- Consider purchasing ultrasonic repellers for your attic and basement (available at most hardware stores).
How To Handle A Rodent Infestation
Deal with rodent infestations quickly and thoroughly, as rodents reproduce rapidly!
- Utilize traps. Consider using humane traps (let rodents in but not out). Set them at suspected entry points. Bait your traps with bacon, peanut butter, hazelnut spread, chocolate, oatmeal, or dried fruit. Replace the bait often. If this technique is unsuccessful, try baiting with nesting materials (cotton balls, newspaper, cardboard, feathers, cloth scraps, etc.). Change the location of your traps every two to three days.
- Consider getting a cat. The presence of a feline is often enough to prevent rodents from moving into your space.
- Contact a pest control company. Reduce property damage and stress by utilizing the services of a residential pest control expert. These experts have the experience, knowledge, and tools to handle a rodent infestation. They inspect your home (to determine entry points and areas of infestation) and then create a plan to solve the dilemma. They’ll implement effective procedures, monitor, and follow up, ensuring the situation is solved. A pest control specialist provides information, tips, and advice.
Do you want to keep rodents from entering your home? Do you have a rodent infestation that requires immediate attention? Are you interested in advice and information regarding rodent control? Contact One Man and a Lady Bug Ltd. We’ll help keep your house, garage, and car rodent-free!
