During the winter months, you may notice an increase in rodent traction as they often seek shelter from the rain and colder weather. Preventing rats and mice is essential to keeping your home pest-free and in this article, we will share four things you can do today to help prepare your home for this upcoming winter season.
Firstly, it is important to thoroughly inspect your home, especially during the fall, for any potential entry points. Keep in mind that it only takes a quarter-size opening for rats to enter the home and a dime-size opening for mice. As you inspect your home, look for any cracks along the home’s foundation, and pay special attention to doorways, garages, and windows. Use materials like caulk or wire mesh to properly seal these cracks and openings.
If rodents enter the home, they will most likely nest near the kitchen area. While this specific area may get frequent activity in the home, it provides the perfect food source for rodents. By keeping your home clean and well-maintained, it will help prevent rodents from staying. Ensure that all trash cans are tightly sealed and that all food, including pet food, is kept in airtight sealed containers. It is equally important to keep your yard well-maintained. Clean up any food that may be lying around the yard and make sure your trash is secured.
A third tip you can perform today is removing any natural materials away from the home’s exterior walls. Are you storing firewood or any other natural materials nearby? These areas can provide perfect hiding spots and protection with easy access to your home for rats and mice. By keeping these items away from the home, keeping them organized, or storing them above ground, you can help make these areas more difficult for rodents to seek shelter and protection.
Another way to protect your home is to trim away any tree or shrub branches away from your home’s exterior walls and windows. Rodents can climb branches to access your roof or second-story windows. If your windows do not already have mesh screens on them, it is recommended that you consider adding these as an open window can be very inviting to rats and mice.
In a recent study, the National Pest Management Association found that 29% of Americans had a rodent problem in their home during the winter. By implementing these four tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of rats and rodents entering your home this season and help prevent yourself from becoming a part of America’s 29%. If you feel uneasy or if this project becomes overwhelming, call your local Insight Pest Solutions! We are always happy to help and can strategically place rodent bait stations to ensure these unwanted pests stay out of your home.
