You may have made it through the summer with minimal rodent problems, but as summer draws to a close, the rodent activity inside your home may pick up. Rodents will be looking for a steady food supply, warmth, and shelter for themselves, and their ever-growing families.
When the weather cools down, rodents will set up housekeeping inside your walls, attic, and basement. But they don’t stay in these places, they will wreak havoc throughout your home while they make nests and forage for food. They are also avid chewers because they need to keep their incisors from growing too long - so they will gnaw on just about anything, which usually results in damage. They will also chew on electrical wires or plumbing pipes, which could cause fire or water damage, even flooding.
Rodents also carry dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illnesses such as salmonella, leptospirosis, tularemia, and the hantavirus. They can also introduce parasites such as lice, mites, ticks, and fleas into your home. These come with a whole new set of problems, including health risks.
Rodents can get into homes by squeezing through small holes and gaps in the exterior of your home, including through open areas around utility wires, cables, and pipes. You will want to make sure that your home is secure because some rodents can enter through a hole as small as a dime.
It is important to get an early start on avoiding rodents. Here are a few tips to help avoid a rodent infestation:
- Seal off all potential entry points, including holes, gaps, cracks, and crevices.
- Remove water sources around your home that may draw rodents near.
- Remove potential nesting materials from around your home, such as leaves and mulch.
- Take out your trash regularly and be sure outdoor bins have tight-fitting lids.
- Keep all foods in the refrigerator or secured in sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Clean up food and drink spills immediately.
In the long run, you will probably need the help of a professional to make sure you are doing everything you can to avoid these pests. Professionals can not only help you eliminate a current infestation, they can help you avoid rodent problems in the future as well. Learn how a year-round pest control program can help you avoid mice, rats, and other pests throughout the year.