How to Prevent a Rodent Infestation

While cartoons might look some rodents look like friendly critters, they are not pests you want to have in your home. Mice, in particular, are known for gnawing on wires, causing house fires. Both rats and mice can spread dangerous diseases to you and your family without any direct contact from a bite or cleaning up their waste. Their feces and urine can dry in your home, turn to dust-like particles, and spread viruses through the air you breathe. It’s essential you take steps to prevent a rodent infestation.

How to Prevent a Rodent Infestation

Know Your Coins

Rodents are quite the contortionists, fitting into spaces that seem too tiny for their bodies. Because of the small size of a hole they can climb through, it’s easiest to compare it to a coin:

• Dime: An adult mouse can fit in a space the size of a dime.
• Quarter: Both rats and squirrels need a little less space than a quarter to sneak into your home.

Quarterly, inspect the outside of your home (coins handy!) to see where rodents can get in. If you find a big enough hole, repair it as soon as possible.

Keep Your Space Tidy

Rodents make their way into your home to find a warm, safe place to live that has easy access to food. They like to eat the same things your family does, pets included! Improperly stored dog food is a common favorite of rodents, and they also like your snacks and pantry stables, too. Keeping everything sealed tight is an important start for making your space less inviting.

Mice, in particular, look for a safe and cozy place to nest. Clothes and blankets thrown in the attic or not stored in air-tight containers provide the perfect nesting spot.

Look, Listen, and Smell Often

You aren’t likely to spot a mouse, rat, or squirrel hanging around your home, so it’s important to look, listen, and smell for signs of them. You might spot feces, which are little brown/black balls. Listen for scurrying in your attic or in walls. And rats, in particular, have a distinct musky smell.

Get Help from Green Pest Solutions to Prevent a Rodent Infestation

At Green Pest Solutions, we believe preventative care is one of the best ways to keep rodents out. Call us today to learn about our rodent extermination services and how our preventative programs can help keep pests out of your home.