WHY RODENT PROBLEMS ARE COMMON IN MORRIS COUNTY

If you are encountering rodents in or around your Chatham or Madison home, you may be wondering why they have chosen your home to focus on. There are many factors that make certain properties more attractive to rodents than others. In this article, we will talk about those factors and discuss steps you can take to make your home less attractive…to rodents.

What Are Rodents Looking For?

All animals need food, and rodents are no different. But rodent’s don’t just eat food they ARE food. Because of this, they need places to hide. If your property is offering food and places to hide, then your property is very attractive to rodents. Here are some things, outside, that rodents are attracted to:

• Brush piles and overgrown grass. These are excellent hiding places for rodents and other pests.
• Anything sitting in a yard. This may include toys, automobile parts (or whole automobiles), construction materials, yard decorations, or any other object a rodent can hide behind, inside, or underneath.
• Ornamentals and other vegetation, especially if it is up against a structure. Rodents hide easily in these places.
• Leftover barbecue. Any food left outside will be a huge attractant for rodents.
• Open trash cans. Rodents and other pests love open trash cans!
• Animal food. If you have pet dishes outside, or bird feeders, etc., rodents will love you for it.
• Vegetables or fruit. Leftover veggies from your garden or fruit from trees are food sources for rodents and other pests.
• Water sources. If you have pooled water, leaky spigots, or other water sources, this will mean those rodents can get a drink when they need it.
• Warm spots underneath porches or other sheltered areas. If you have a dryer vent that comes out in a spot that is sheltered, rodents and other animals may make a nest in that area for the warmth.