We’ve reached the time of year when the weather is beginning to get nice again, but we’re not quite there yet. There’s the promise of spring, but winter is still holding on. Believe it or not, this is one of the factors that could put your South Carolina home at risk for rodent problems.
Why Rodents Get Into Homes
Rodents have spent the winter trying to survive. They may have found shelter in a shed, a secluded spot outside that kept them safe from the cold, or even in your home. Their main concern was finding food and, if they’ve managed to survive this long, they were successful at it.
But winter has dragged on and outdoor food sources are at their lowest levels. If rodents haven’t already gotten into your home, they may figure out a way to get inside now. While their current food supply problems may not be a factor you can control, certain factors within your control directly affect whether your home is at risk for a rodent problem.
What Factors Put Your South Carolina Home At Risk
- As was already mentioned, mice and rats need food at this time of year. If your property has easily accessible food sources within it, rodents will start visiting your property. Their outdoor visits may become indoor visits if you’re not careful. To prevent this from occurring, remove all outdoor food sources, such as bird feeders, open or easily accessible garbage bins, and pet food that has been left out on a porch or front step.
- Rodents prefer to hide. If your lawn is wide open without shelter, they’re far less likely to enter your property. If you have tall grass, a lot of shrubbery, stone walls, woodpiles, and lawn debris, rodents will find plenty of hiding spots making it easier for them to go undetected.
- Some rodents, like roof rats, like to get into your house from high in the air. By cutting back tree limbs and other vegetation that touches your house, you can keep them from getting on your roof and looking for a way inside.
- Similarly, it’s important to cover all openings that may allow rodents to gain access to your roof or to the inside of your house.
- Some rats can shimmy up downspouts, so make sure to cover the bottom opening with wire mesh. be sure to cover all vents and cap your chimney.
- Rodents can get into your house through weak areas in your home’s exterior. Check for broken tiles or shingles, holes in your siding, gaps around your windows and doors, and cracks or holes in your foundation. Even a tiny hole can be chewed larger. Mice only need an opening the size of a dime to squeeze through.
How To Make Sure Your Home Is Secure
To save yourself the headache of wondering if you’ve crossed all your t’s and dotted all your i’s when it comes to rodent prevention, ask Aiken Pest Control to do a professional inspection. We will not only look for signs of a rodent infestation, but we’ll also check for other pests as well. We’ll identify weak areas around your home that may be working as entry points for pests. We will develop a customized plan to help you combat any current pest problems and prevent future problems.