When the weather gets colder, the rodents get bolder. Mice, rats, and other pests are going to start looking for ways to get comfy in the confines of your warm home. There are ways to cut them off at the pass. Learn more about discovering and blocking rodent entry points, signs of intrusion, and how to deal.

Discovering and Blocking Rodent Entry Points

If you know where mice and rats are getting into your home, you can help prevent an infestation by sealing off these openings. Spaces as small as 1/4″ are large enough for rodents to pass through. You’ll want to look for any cracks or openings in the following areas and seal them completely:

• Foundation
• Pipes
• Electric wiring
• Drain spouts
• Air vents
• Toilet

Here are some other preventative tips:

1. Make sure the edges around doors, windows, and screens fit tightly to help prevent access.
2. Any signs of scratching or gnawing around open areas should be reinforced with more durable material like metal.
3. Trim back tree limbs along the roofline that could act as bridges into your home.
4. Keep any wood piles or compost heaps far enough away so they can’t act as a hiding place or booster into windows.
5. Cut grass so that pests can’t cross your lawn undetected.
6. Keep trash cans away from your home, especially if they’re full.
7. Keep all food storage containers tightly sealed in glass, metal, or hard plastic containers.
8. Clean all food prep and dining areas after every meal.
9. Place food scraps in a sealed trash container.
10. Repair or replacing leaky faucets and pipes.

When done properly, securing an entry point should prevent the rodent problem before you have to spend a lot of money and time trying to trap and destroy the ones that get into the house.

Signs of Rodent Damage

If mice and rats have made it into your home, it’s only a matter of time before you start to notice the signs:

• Scurrying or screeching sounds
• Rodent droppings near food sources
• Chewed food packages
• Gnawed markings around entry points
• Rodent sightings
• Fly or roach infestations could mean rodents have died somewhere.
• House fires are started by rodents chewing through electrical wiring to get through holes.

If you suspect rodents in or around your home, it’s best to call a professional who knows how to handle issues before they become infestations. Contact Cardinal Lawns for more information on making your home less desirable for pests and what you can do to rid them from your house.