Winter is a common time for rodents to seek shelter indoors. As temperatures begin to drop and the weather becomes colder, rats and mice start to look for areas that will keep them warm and provide them with food. Usually, homes create a perfect hibernating environment for these rodents. Oftentimes, rodents will nest inside walls and attics where there is plenty of insulation and warmth. Here are 7 steps you can follow if you are experiencing rodents in either of these areas.
Before beginning your elimination process, thoroughly inspect your home and identify where any of the rodent’s entry points may be. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, brown grease marks along walls, and any trails. Any openings along the walls near pipes, vents, or corners, that you notice may be serving as potential entry points for rodents and other pests. Remember that rats can fit through any hole the size of a quarter and mice can squeeze into holes larger than a dime. Any small hole or opening that you notice should be addressed.
If you find that rodents are seeking shelter in your attic, it is important to remove clutter and organize the items stored in that area. Look for any signs of food crumbs or spills that could be attracting them to that area. Proper sanitation can help deter rodents from staying in that area. It is advisable to declutter and clean the area with disposable gloves and masks. Rodents carry diseases that can be transmitted through their feces. When cleaning the area, pay attention to what you come in contact with.
Once you have found potential entry points and have possibly come across rodents nesting in your home, it is essential to strategically set up mouse traps in the proper location. Place your mouse traps along walls or near suspected entry points. Use bait like peanut butter, bacon, or dried fruit to lure the rodents in. Check your traps regularly and dispose of any caught rodents immediately.
Once you have identified the entry points in your home, use material like wire mesh, caulk, or steel wool to properly seal these areas. Small gaps and openings are commonly found around pipes, vents, and utility lines. Sealing these areas will prevent more mice from entering your home and confine the current rodents inside your home to the traps you have set.
Using natural deterrents can help prevent the mice from staying in your home. Rodents dislike the scent of peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil. Soak a cotton ball in these oils and place them in areas where the mice inside your home are usually frequent. These natural deterrents could potentially discourage rodents from hibernating in your home.
In some cases where a rodent infestation is more severe, professional help may be required. Professionals can provide more advanced solutions that are made to target larger rodent infestations. Professional pest control companies will eliminate the mice safely and effectively.
After eliminating all of the mice from your home, it is vital to keep your area clean and clutter-free. This can help prevent any future rodent infestations from happening again. Keep all entry points sealed and continue to set traps if necessary.