How to Protect Your Home from Rodents

Essential Tips for Every Homeowner

With cooler weather setting in, rodents like mice and rats often seek warmth and food inside homes. Rodents are more than just nuisances; they carry diseases, can cause structural damage, and contaminate food sources. Preventing an infestation before it begins is key. Here’s how to rodent-proof your home effectively.

1. Seal All Possible Entry Points

• Identify Entry Points: Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter-inch, so check your home's exterior for any gaps or holes.
• Use Rodent-Proof Materials: Seal cracks and crevices with steel wool, caulk, or metal sheeting, as rodents can chew through most materials.
• Inspect Pipes and Vents: Cover any open pipes or vents with mesh screens to prevent easy access.

2. Eliminate Food Sources

• Store Food Securely: Keep all food in airtight containers, especially in the pantry.
• Regularly Clean Up Food Waste: Rodents are attracted to crumbs and leftovers, so ensure kitchen counters, floors, and dining areas are cleaned regularly.
• Secure Garbage Cans: Use bins with tight-fitting lids, and empty garbage regularly to avoid luring rodents into your home.

3. Declutter and Maintain Cleanliness

• Clear Clutter: Rodents love cluttered areas for nesting. Regularly clear out storage spaces, especially attics, basements, and garages.
• Manage Outdoor Areas: Trim grass and bushes near your home's foundation and remove piles of debris, firewood, or leaves, which can serve as shelters for rodents.
• Clean Your Yard: Keep yards free of birdseed or pet food to avoid attracting rodents.

4. Set Up Rodent Deterrents

• Utilize Natural Repellents: Peppermint oil, ammonia, or vinegar-soaked rags can deter rodents from entering certain areas of your home.
• Use Electronic Repellents: Ultrasonic repellents emit sounds that are unpleasant to rodents and can help keep them away.
• Install Traps and Bait Stations: Strategically place traps in areas where you've noticed rodent activity, such as near walls or corners.

5. Prevent Future Infestations with Regular Inspections

• Inspect Regularly: Perform monthly inspections around your home, paying attention to attics, crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls.
• Check Plumbing and Appliances: Rodents can enter homes through openings in plumbing and large appliances, so check these regularly.
• Work with a Pest Control Professional: If you’re noticing signs of rodents despite taking preventative measures, reach out to a pest control professional who can offer a thorough inspection and customized treatment plan.

Why Rodent Prevention Matters

Rodents are more than just a minor inconvenience they carry diseases, can damage electrical wiring, and cause costly structural damage. By taking preventative measures, you can keep your home safe, clean, and rodent-free.

Signs You Might Have a Rodent Problem

Knowing the warning signs can help you catch an infestation early. Look out for:

• Droppings around food packages, in drawers, and under sinks.
• Scratching noises within walls or attics.
• Gnaw marks on furniture, walls, or food packaging.

Protect Your Family and Home with Professional Help

At Mosquito Squad, we specialize in 360° Home & Yard Pest Control to keep your home protected year-round. Our trained technicians use eco-friendly methods to eliminate current infestations and prevent future ones.