Protecting Your House from Rodents

Mar 12, 2018

They say if you see one, there is more. A lot more depending on the infestation. Rodents breed quickly. Quickly turning your mouse or rat sighting into a much larger problem. Did you know, mice are known to reproduce up to 10 litters in a year with about 6 young in each litter? And each female rat can reproduce 7 litters in one year, with up to 14 young in each litter. Rodents are not only a nuisance, but can ruin the foundation of your home; carry and transmit potentially fatal diseases; chewed wires may spark house fires. Protect your house from rodents by practicing these good habits and following these tips. Remember: prevention is key.

Seal All Entry Ways
Ultimately, the first step into protecting your home from rodents is preventing them to enter in the first place; however, this task is difficult because rodents, especially mice, can wriggle their way through openings only ¼ inch wide. Nevertheless, inspect all entry points of your home, including doors, windows, and any cracks. Install door sweeps on exterior doors, repair damaged screens, and seal any cracks.

Paint a 12” Band on the Exterior of your Home
Rats can easily scale brick or stone foundations. To deter climbing, paint a 12” band, at least three feet from the ground, with high gloss paint. This paint can also be used to create a band around exterior piping that will also deter rodents from entering your home.

Trim Tree Branches and Hedges
Inspect the tree branches and hedges near your home. If any branches or hedges are touching or hanging over your home, they can be pathways for rodents into your home. Trim branches and hedges while keeping grass short to expose the soil beneath and to eliminate areas where rodents may seek shelter.

Properly Store Food
The pantry is a breeding ground for rodents. All food should be stored in airtight containers. Remember to dispose of any containers that seem to be contaminated or chewed through as rodents can transfer deadly diseases through their saliva. Additionally, be sure to dispose of garbage regularly and do not allow it to pile up.

Remove Possible Food / Water Sources
During winter months, rodents retreat to homes due to a lack of food and natural resources. Remember to remove any possible food or water sources so that you are not inviting rodents into your home. This includes removing any uneaten pet food and water after feeding; tending to leaky pipes and disposing of garbage regularly. Also know, bird feeders aren’t just a food source for birds, but rodents, too. It would be wise to remove any bird feeders from the premises.