When the weather gets colder, rodents start looking for food, water and shelter in warmer spots, and your house is the perfect place. Rodents are resourceful little creatures. They are fantastic climbers and will eat almost anything. Rodent-proofing your house is much easier than trying to get rid of an infestation, so let’s look at how you can keep your house rodent-free.
1. Inspect the exterior of your home
Walk around your house and inspect the walls from the ground all the way up to the roof. Mice can get into the tiniest of holes (as small as 6mm!) and rats easily chew small holes to make them bigger, so take note of any holes, cracks or gaps in the walls. Also note any crevices or cracks where plumbing or wiring enters the house.
2. Inspect the interior of your home
Repeat step 1 inside the house. In addition, make note of large gaps between doors and floors, check the quality of weather sweeps, door and window frames and screens. Pull large appliances and furniture away from the wall and make note of any cracks and holes.
3. Vacuum behind large appliances and furniture
Over the years, a lot of crumbs and rubbish accumulates under and behind large appliances and furniture. Since you’ve moved them in the previous step, vacuum the areas to reduce the chances of attracting rodents.
4. Fill any holes, cracks and gaps
Fill any holes, cracks, crevices and gaps you found in steps 1 and 2 with rodent-proof materials. These materials include steel wool, caulk, hardware cloth, cement, plaster, wire mesh and sheet metal.
5. Replace broken door and window frames
If you found any broken or damaged door and window frames, it’s a good idea to replace them.
6. Replace old and damaged screens and weather sweeps
If any of the screens or weather sweeps are damaged or brittle you should replace them. Rats are champion chewers and will find a way into your house if these items are damaged.
7. Remove any items that are stacked against the house
Anything stacked against the walls outside your house makes it easier for rodents to climb into your roof.
8. Clear out the garage
Garages have a tendency to become a dumping ground of things we don’t need, but don’t know what to do with, and rodents love you for it. It’s warm in the garage and the piles of rubbish rarely get disturbed so it’s an excellent place for rodents to nest. Clear out that rubbish to reduce the attraction for rodents.
9. Inspect your garage
Look for the same problem areas in your garage as in steps 1 and 2, and seal any cracks or holes like you did in step 4.
10. Inspect the roof
Inspect your roof tiles, shingles, roof ventilators and vent screens for any damage. Replace what you can and seal any holes you find.
11. Add a cowl to your chimney
A cowl will keep rodents from climbing down into your house, while still allowing the smoke to escape.
12. Keep your rubbish bin sealed
The rubbish bin is another gold star for rodents as there is loads of food for them. Make sure your bins can seal properly and that they are kept closed.
13. Keep dry foods and pet food in airtight containers
Transfer any dry foods and pet food into airtight glass, metal or plastic containers as soon as you can after purchase. Rodents can smell your food right through cardboard boxes and nothing will stop them from chewing their way right into your food.
14. Always clean kitchen surfaces after eating
You might not think a few crumbs on the kitchen counter is a big deal, but they are for rodents, so wipe down and sanitise your kitchen surfaces regularly.
15. Keep the doors closed at night
Don’t leave doors or the garage open at night. Rodents will eagerly come into your warm house when it’s cold outside.
16. Don’t leave water or food out at night
Rodents are more likely to enter your home at night when everyone is asleep, and if you leave any sources of water or food out during the night, they will find it.
17. Get a rodent-hunting pet
A young and energetic cat or dog will help keep rodents in and around your house at bay. Just don’t forget to give these pets your love and attention!
Living with a rodent infestation isn’t just unpleasant, it’s dangerous and unhealthy too. They carry a lot of diseases, they contaminate your food and kitchen work areas, and they damage your property. The key to keeping them out of your home is to maintain a clean and hygienic home. We hope these tips and tricks will work for you, but if all else fails,
call in an exterminator.