Rodents, like mice, rats and squirrels are quite adaptive, and much to the chagrin of homeowners, have become experts at living right alongside people. They can be opportunistic, quiet and true survivalists, which makes eliminating a pest infestation difficult.
That said, there are a few easy ways you can stop any rodent from entering your home in the first place. Use this list to make sure you're doing everything you can to keep your family safe from unwanted pests:
Seal any openings The most obvious way to keep animals from entering your home is to seal any obvious openings. Mice can squeeze their way through very small cracks, and although they're usually a bit larger, rats and squirrels are also adept at making use of any opportunity to get away from the cold.
That means taking care of any repairs you've been putting off, but also minimizing any other obvious openings. A pet door, a window without a screen, or even your chimney could give a determined rodent access to your home.
Think like a mouse When it comes to minimizing the odds of a rodent entering your home, you have to expand beyond doors and windows. There can be gaps along things like the gutter, pipes and electrical wires, and if these are small enough, a pest could easily make its way inside. Spend an afternoon investigating the outside of your home and look for places that might need to be sealed. Use anything that would be difficult for an animal to gnaw through like cloth or cardboard and instead opt for something more sturdy.
Tidy up the yard Your yard might be home to more animals than you think, and from there, rodents and other creatures may find their way indoors. As the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry reported, mice can play an important role in keeping your garden healthy, but you can still minimize the number of rodents on your property. Brush piles, old stumps and things that make for a good hiding spot will encourage smaller creatures to stick around.
Don't rely on the cat Your pet cat might be an accomplished hunter, but odds are that's not enough to fully prevent a pest problem. To make matters worse, rodents can harbor ticks, fleas and bacteria that could make your pet quite sick. For that reason, it's wise to limit how much your rely on your cat for protection from mice, squirrels and other creatures.
Stay vigilant As NBC News reported, squirrels are quite intelligent, and mice and rats are also known to be good problem solvers. These animals can employ their smarts to enter your home despite your best efforts. For that reason, keep an eye out for a possible infestation and take warning signs seriously. If you hear noises in the wall or notice droppings, pick up the phone and call a pest control professional right away.
Keep things clean It might be the case that rodents do in fact end up in your home, but you can discourage them from exploring the inside of your house. That means being organized with storing food, cautious of leaving out crumbs and even being extra careful when it comes to the garbage. Rodents will make a meal out of any free food you leave out, and may become increasingly comfortable exploring your kitchen. Keeping things clean will limit the time they spend out in the open and ensure they at least stay out of sight while you wait for a pest professional to arrive.
About the author:
Abell Pest Control is a family owned Canadian company dedicated to providing effective, professional and courteous service in pest management.Started in 1924 with one office, Abell now employs several hundred people with branch offices across Canada and the United States.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
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Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
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