Seven Ways to Keep Rodents Away

September 13, 2018 Kristin Dodd

Rodents may look cute and cuddly in Disney films, but for most, they are unwanted house guests. Not only are rodents, including mice and rats, bothersome to notice around the house, they also have the potential to cause health issues by carrying dangerous diseases. Rodents are notorious for discovering food sources and contaminating them. Property damage, liked chewed wiring, can also be traced back to rodent infestation.

The good news- with the following preventative measures, you will be putting away the welcome mat for rodents!

Seal Off Entrances

Rodents tend to sneak into vulnerable areas of the home where entrances aren’t closely guarded. Pro tip- never leave your garage door open throughout the day. Rodents and other wildlife see open garages as invitations to come inside and make themselves at home. Basement doors should also be closed when not in use to prevent rodent access. Look around the foundation and check for any holes or cracks that are larger than a dime—enough room to give rodents access. Foam or wire mesh barriers can be used to block the potential rodent entranceways on the foundation.

Check the Roof

Many homeowners forget to take preventative measures against rodents who may be getting in through the roof. A break or gap in the roof could be an entrance for rodents. Repairs should be made to fill in any gaps located while inspecting the roof. Furthermore, a chimney may need to be capped to prevent rodents from entering the home.

Store Smartly

One of your favorite pastimes could include feeding the birds in your yard. Rodents are attracted to the birdseed because it makes for an easy meal. If you do choose to feed the birds, place feeders a good distance away from your home. Don’t leave any bags or containers of birdseed open. Heavy-duty plastic or metal containers with sealed lids work best. Besides birdseed, store any other potential foods (such as  grass seed) in similar containers. Also, any type of pet food shouldn’t be stored in your garage since rodents can pick up the scent and make it a mission to gain admission.

Rodent Guards

Metal pipes or wire lines that run into the home from the exterior can be problematic if you’re trying to prevent rodents from invading. Rodent guards are typically constructed out of plastic or metal and fit over the end of the pipe to prevent rodents from scurrying inside. They are typically easy to install and are an inexpensive rodent prevention tool. Purchase the guards online or at any hardware store.

Makeover Garbage Cans

Nothing is more enticing than the smell of rotten food to rodents. Your garbage can be a feast for wildlife and will attract ravenous critters to your home and yard. Your trash cans should be constructed from heavy-duty materials and have no damage like holes or cracks. Use lids with all your trashcans and make sure the lids fit tightly. If lids aren’t fitting properly, you can use rubber cords to tighten them. Setting the garbage cans on platforms will also be helpful in preventing rodents from invading them. Platforms should be at least six inches off the ground.

Remove Nesting Sites

For any type of wildlife, including rats and mice, you don’t want to leave mulch and leaf piles around your property. These piles can be potential rodent nesting sites if left unchecked. If you have compost piles or bins, they should be kept as far away as possible from the house. Turning compost piles often helps too since this will cover up any new food scraps you’ve added in. When you have woodpiles or hay on your property, you can deter rodents by elevating them a minimum of one foot off the ground. Eliminating any type of clutter in your yard will make a significant impact when trying to get rid of rodents on your property.

Keeping Things Clean

Always cleaning up potential food sources for rodents is a solid technique to prevent rodent invasions. Take away pet food bowls after they have finished eating and sweep up any scraps household pets may have left behind. Cooking utensils and dishes should be washed soon after they’ve been used. If you have an outdoor cooking area, it is especially important not to leave food or beverages outdoors. Grills should be cleaned regularly along with any barbecue cooking tools.

If you do suspect mice or rats have entered the home or surrounding outdoor structures, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends setting traps. There are certain guidelines to follow since the CDC advises against live traps due to the likelihood of a rodent urinating and potentially exposing a person to germs found in the urine. Snap traps may work depending on the type of rodent found on your property. Some rodents like rats are cautious creatures and may know to avoid the traps.

Getting rid of rodents on your own can be a headache. Allow the professional and trusted technicians from Carolina Pest Management to assist you. For more than 75 years, Carolina Pest Management has assisted countless homeowners and businesses in getting rid of unwanted pests. Contact us today to see how we can help.