Rodent Proofing Your Home
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Anyone who has had a rodent infestation in their home can attest to how difficult it is to get rid of these critters and keep them away. Once rats or mice have made themselves comfortable in your house they will keep coming back despite your best efforts and trapping and killing them. This is because getting rid of the pests is only half the answer. The other half involves prevention and it requires an entirely different set of tools.
You’ll want to begin by thoroughly inspecting your entire property, inside and out. Look for signs of rodents such as droppings or gnawing marks. Even if there are no rodents currently in your home, these clues can show you where trouble areas might be.
As you look around the perimeter of your house, check for any gaps that are bigger than half an inch. There are foam fillers or wire mesh that can be easily cut and fit into place. For larger holes, you might want to use sheet metal or other durable materials. Additionally, look for old or damaged weather stripping around windows and doors.
Your roof should be clear of any tree branches, which can be used as easy pathways for rodents to get into your home. The roof itself should be completely secure, including all shingles, vents and the chimney. Also, any appliance vents or pipes should be equally sealed off.
After making sure that all entry points have been eliminated, be sure that there is no ready source of food or water available to them. That means keeping pet food inside at night and removing bird feeders or other wild animal feeders. You’ll want to get locking trash can lids, keeping food in your pantry and cupboards sealed up.
Finally, clean up any existing droppings or other leavings that may attract future rodents. Use bleach to clean the areas where you find evidence of mice or rats, and around the entry points even if they are sealed off. The bleach will kill any existing scent that previous rodents have left and act as a deterrent for others.
Rodent infestations are frustrating and difficult to manage, but by focusing as much on prevention as on elimination you’ll be able to solve your rodent problem once and for all. For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.
Tags: rodents