By Lorne Hanewich
Rats, mice, and other rodents are warm-blooded mammals, just like humans. And like us humans, they also would prefer to live in a nice climate-controlled space safe from the elements. In the tumult of spring storms and showers, many rodents look to be safe from the storm in shelters we build for ourselves. And rats and mice are very, very good at sneaking in. Here are some tips for making sure that they can’t.
Seal Entry Points
When we said mice are very good at sneaking in, we weren’t kidding. Mice can sneak into openings half the diameter of a dime and rats can sneak into openings the size of a nickel. That’s alarmingly small. It's crucial to inspect your home for potential points of entry. Inspect your home for openings around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Seal these gaps using caulk, steel wool, or metal mesh. By securing these entry points, you significantly reduce the likelihood of rodents moving in.
Store Food Properly
Rodents are always on the prowl for food, especially food they can get to easily. So, it's essential to store food in sealed containers made of durable materials like metal or heavy-duty plastic. Also, keep food packaging off the floor and away from the walls. Rodents are skilled at gnawing through cardboard and thin plastic and can get to food within.
Keep Your Yard Tidy
Trim your lawn and other vegetation around your home and sweep away fallen leaves. Overgrown bushes and piles of leftover leaves can provide rodents with easy cover and potential access to your home.
Declutter
Rodents find hiding places and nesting materials in clutter, making it essential to declutter your living space. Opt to store your belongings in plastic bins with secure lids, and maintain a well-organized attic, basement, and garage, free from unnecessary items. This proactive approach not only removes potential hiding spots for rodents but also enhances your ability to detect signs of an infestation.
Get SMART
SMART pest control technologies can help to detect rodent infestations and nip them in the bud. By tracking rodent activity as it occurs and reporting it to our pest control experts at the home office, SMART devices ensure that rodent infestations are caught early and won’t become a bigger problem.
If you are concerned that you have an infestation, or that you might be at risk of one. Call Viking Pest for a free rodent control estimate in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.