Are you having a rodent problem? Here are some useful tips!
Photo by Syl Pierce on Unsplash
You may have heard the phrase “rats will be rats” before. But your home or building doesn’t have to become infested with them. There are many ways you can deal with a rodent problem, and this blog post is here to give you some useful tips on how to keep rodents out of your property.
Plug any holes that may be allowing rodents in
One of the primary reasons rodents come into a building is to find food or shelter. They will do whatever it takes to get into your property, including chewing through almost anything. Therefore, plug up any holes that are larger than a quarter-inch in diameter with steel wool or sealant. You can also take the time to explore online sources where you may come across a website dedicated to pest control services. In this case, you may visit this site to have a good idea of who you can contact to help deal with your rodent problem. Not only will they be able to seal off any holes, but they can also help you with any other issues that may be causing your rodent problem.
- Seal up any cracks around your home where rodents might enter
You should also seal up any cracks around your home, especially if they are larger than a quarter-inch in diameter. Be sure to check for cracks around doors and windows as well as the foundation of your building. In this way, you can prevent rodents from entering your property by sealing any cracks on the outside of your home. However, you have to take note that rodents are excellent climbers, so they may still be able to enter your home through windows or air vents.
Be smart with food storage
Another reason rodents may be entering your property is because you have an existing rodent problem or there are simply too many places where they can find food. Rats and mice can fit through a hole as small as a quarter-inch, so you have to be smart with the way that you store your food. Keep all of your dry goods in airtight containers that are resistant to chewing or gnawing from rodents. You should also take out the trash every day instead of just once per week, and keep it in a rodent-proof container. Not only will this prevent rodents from getting into your garbage to find food, but it can also help you avoid any health risks that may come along with having vermin around.
- Keep food and trash sealed tight
As much as possible, you should also try to keep food and trash sealed tight. You can do this by storing dry goods in airtight containers, cleaning your dishes after every meal, closing the lid on any compost piles you have outside, as well as sealing bags of garbage before throwing them away. By being smart with how you store your food around rodents’ territory or entry points, you can avoid any issues with rodents.
- Prevent rodents from accessing food and water sources
Rodents need three things to survive, namely plenty of food and water as well as shelter or a place where they feel safe. You should take the time to ensure there is no garbage lying around or open containers of food. You should also clean up any spills, and ensure that all the trash cans are sealed tight. If you do notice rats in your home or building after this, there is a chance they could be nesting somewhere inside the property where their young ones reside. In this case, it may be smart to contact an exterminator who can help you with this.
Avoid using poison-based methods of pest control for an existing problem
If there is already a rodent problem inside of your property, you should not use poison-based methods of pest control. Not only are these types of poisons usually non-selective when it comes to the species that they target, but they can also be dangerous for children and pets who may get into them by accident. In this case, it is better to contact a professional who can help you with the problem instead of trying to deal with it on your own. Nevertheless, you can try using traps that are humane and only target the rodent you want to get rid of. However, this may not be an effective method either because rodents can detect traps very easily due to their heightened sense of smell. You have to keep in mind these animals will do whatever it takes not only to survive but also for their offspring.
If all else fails, call pest control services for the examination of the pests
Finally, if you have tried to deal with the problem on your own and it has not worked, there is a chance that you may need professional pest control services. This way, they can help cover up any holes where rodents might enter as well as lay down traps or other poisons to kill off the pests. They can also provide safe removal of dead rodents that may have died in the traps or elsewhere on the property. It is important to keep in mind that mice and rats can carry several diseases, so you should take steps to make sure they are not around your home for their safety as well as yours. If rodents do decide to nest inside or near your building, it could lead to an infestation that is not only hard to get rid of, but also pretty dangerous.
Rats and mice are pesky pests that can cause a lot of damage to your home. They enter through small holes in the walls, roof, or pipes and they’re also attracted by food smells. If you’ve found rats or mice around your house before, be sure to cover up any cracks where these critters may enter next time. You should also make it difficult for them to find food by keeping trash bags sealed tight when done with them and don’t let dirty dishes pile up. If all else fails then call pest control services for the extermination of the pests.