When you head to the kitchen in the morning, rodent droppings are the last thing you want to see as you pour your coffee. These critters always seek food, water, and a place to hide from the weather. Once they move into your home, you’ll notice other signs of their presence, like chewed wiring, gnaw marks, and ruined food packaging.
A rodent infestation is harmful to your health. You’ll need to take action to get rid of these pests and prevent them from coming back. Rodent-proofing requires several steps and should be completed by an experienced professional.
Each room in your home can be appealing to rodents for many reasons. A trained technician understands how to make your home less inviting and protect your family.
Rodent-Proofing Each Room in Your Home
Your first reaction is likely to buy a trap or set out poison. While this may be a short-term solution, it doesn’t eliminate the problem permanently. Contact a professional who can remove these pests and follow these steps to ensure your unwanted visitors don’t return.
Kitchen
The first step in rodent-proofing your kitchen is eliminating all entry points. Inspect your kitchen and identify any pathways a critter could take to enter. Mice can squeeze through tiny holes, so any gap or opening, including inside cabinets, should be noted.
Grab some airtight plastic, glass, or metal containers. Then, seal all of your dry foods, such as rice, pasta, and pet food, in these containers. When these foods are kept in cardboard or paper containers, rodents can easily chew through the material to get inside.
Keep your kitchen clean and tidy. Sweep, vacuum, and wipe up any spills or messes promptly. Empty your garbage can regularly and keep the lid closed to prevent rodents from finding snacks.
Living Room
Rodents may migrate to your living room, looking for a comfortable place to nest. Minimizing clutter will reduce hiding spots. Don’t keep old newspapers and cardboard boxes unless they are neatly organized.
Dust and crumbs can quickly accumulate in the living room. Vacuum regularly, and consider investing in a vacuum with a HEPA filter to eliminate small particles, such as dust and insects. Houseplants are another area that rodents like to hide. Check any indoor plants for signs of rodents, and contact a professional promptly if you find any.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are often a primary entry point for rodents, thanks to multiple access points. Water pipes, ventilation fans, and toilets create entryways that increase the risk of having rodents in your bathroom.
Sealing gaps around the water pipes and drains will provide a line of defense. Sealing windows and vents will close off an entry and keep your bathroom secure.
Quickly addressing any leaks and wiping down wet surfaces is two-fold. It prevents water damage and limits available water for rodents seeking a drink, which makes the bathroom less appealing for them.
Bedrooms
Having unwanted visitors in the bedroom can feel like an invasion of privacy. Keeping this area clean will deter rodents from exploring. Piles of unfolded clothes or dirty dishes near the bed make your bedroom inviting for critters.
Fill in any cracks or holes in your bedroom walls. No matter what room it is, rodents will enter through any opening!
Crawlspace, Basements, and Attics
These areas of your home are prime real estate for rodents. They are often dark and moist, which are ideal conditions for these animals. Inspect every nook and cranny, including the walls and foundation. Sealing these openings will deny critters easy access to your home.
Remember to search where the utility lines enter your home. Although these openings may seem small, they are still potential entry points. Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces to reduce moisture.
Basements and attics are key storage areas in many homes, making them great spots for rodents. Keep your belongings elevated to minimize hiding spots. Use plastic tote bins with secure lids to deter rodents from building their nests.
Garages
Garages are another area that tends to become cluttered. Once the rodents are in your garage, they may have direct access to your home. Depending on how your garage was constructed, there may be holes or cracks in the foundation or walls.
Like basements and attics, openings around utility lines may create a pathway from the garage to the inside of your home. Unfortunately, this may create an easy entry point for rodents.
Door and window seals wear out over time. When they break down, these barriers form an improper seal, which gives pests seeking comfort easy access. Regularly replacing these seals will make it more difficult for rodents to get into your garage.
Outdoor Areas
Many individuals overlook the exterior of a home during the rodent-proofing process. Consider these areas of your home:
- Swimming pools
- Gardens
- Sheds
- Compost bins
- Outdoor storage
- Bird feeders
- Outdoor furniture
- Landscaping
- Rain gutters
Including these areas in your routine property assessment gives you a thorough idea of where your home is most vulnerable.
Cleaning debris around these areas regularly and storing pool toys or chemicals in rodent-proof containers will prevent rodent access. Elevate compost bins and keep their lids on tight. Composting dairy and meat products attracts rodents, so limit the amount of these substances in the compost bin.
Store firewood and other outdoor items off the ground to reduce potential hiding spots. Place as much as possible in sealed containers. Trim trees and bushes away from the house to eliminate additional pathways. Remember to remove piles of leaves, which rodents use as a hiding spot.
Congested rain gutters can accumulate water, which attracts rodents. Regularly inspect these fixtures and seal any openings you find, which may be around the downspout.
Rodent-Proofing Professionals for Your Home
Implementing these strategies to rodent-proof your home can reduce the chances of a rodent entering. However, it’s still possible. A rodent infestation is a serious matter that must be handled promptly. An expert from Attic Projects can offer you the highest quality of care and help manage your problem.
We’ll complete a detailed inspection and recommend any necessary treatment. Our team can also help repair damaged insulation and clean up contaminated materials. Contact us today to start your journey toward peace of mind and a rodent-free home.
Updated: September 9, 2024
