Keep Rodents out with these 5 Tips [RATS/MICE]
The cold weather is upon us and rodents are looking for a warm place to call their own. As a homeowner the thought of the damage they can cause and unease felt when you find rodent evidence in your home can be extremely stressful.
Not only can rats and mice cause damage to your property, they can also put your health at risk.
Whether you have had a rodent sighting or have found mouse/rat evidence in your kitchen, attic or basement – knowing that you have rodents in your home is a good reason for concern. The question then remains, how did these pests get into my house?
First lets discuss a few facts: A house mouse only requires a space the size of a dime to be able to squeeze their way into your living space. Exclusion work on the exterior of your home is essential!
The common house mouse can have as many as 6-12 pups per liter and if the conditions are ideal they will continue to breed continuously, this means that a rodent infestation can rapidly grow to concerning numbers.
House mice will use insulation, paper and cluttered areas as a means to build their nests in a secluded area that is close to their food source. Unlike a Norway rat, the house mouse does not require a consistent source of water, therefore they can build their homes in a area that is only closest to a food source.
Rodent Proofing your Home
- Seal any gaps around pipes or wires
- Replace broken vent caps
- Fix any broken foundational cracks
- Add air vents to breath holes in brick work
- Seal any gaps around windows and doors
10 Tips to Eliminate Food Sources for Rodents
- Place all dry foods in a sealed container
- Remove debris beneath your appliances
- Empty crumbs from your toaster pan
- Keep dishes washed
- Remove garbage daily
- Remove food debris from your cupboards
- Monitor children when eating and remove fallen food
- Keep breads in a sealed container
- Do not leave pet food out over night
- Remove debris from under your kitchen table
Now for rats!
Exclusion is key to keep these rodents at bay! However, pest proofing may be a little more difficult as they will chew their way into your home if the exclusion work you have done has not been properly repaired. The point is, you need to make it difficult for these pests to to chew through your work! How? Simply by layering your sealant work with copper mesh. Copper mesh hurts their teeth and makes it a little more difficult for these rats to claim your home as their own! The shocking news is that Norway rats only need a gap the size of a quarter to find their way into your home!
Don’t give these rodents a reason to hang around your home is also a major factor!
Don’t Give Rats a Reason To Stay
- Remove animal waste from your yard daily
- Place all garbage in sealed containers
- Remove bird feeders
- Do not leave pet food exposed
- Remove all standing water
- Remove the clutter and keep a tidy yard
- Rinse all recycling
- Clear away all overhanging trees and bushes from your house
Sometimes calling a professional is a must! If you have tried to rid your home of these pests or simply would rather have the job done right the first time contact the PROs!
Our team provides expert pest services for rat and mice removal within the Niagara Region. Call us today and get your FREE quote!
