When the weather gets cooler humans bundle up and seek warmth, the same goes for rodents. As temperatures decrease, your home may be the perfect place for rodents and other unwanted house guests to escape winter, making rodent control an absolute necessity. Here’s how to winterize a house for rodents.
Seal It Up
Did you know that some rats can fit through a hole the size of a quarter? According to RatBehavior.org thanks to their long and flexible bodies, some mice can squeeze through spaces as small as 0.96 inches in diameter. Look for any openings or cracks where rodents could squeeze into under entryways or windows. Also look for rips in screen doors or window screens. Remember to check areas that are made for letting things in and out of the house like dryer vents or drainage pipes. These functional openings can make it easy for rodents to get indoors. There are items like dryer vent cages, and steel mesh is easy options.
Clean Up & Clean Out
While the idea of wet branches and leaves might not be pleasant to us, they are incredibly inviting to rodents and other pests. Make sure you clean out downspouts, roof drain pipes and gutters. Edible vegetation and other junk or debris should also be removed from around the home as they attract rodents and are natural hiding places. When taking trash or recycling out for pickup, be sure to close bags up securely and keep containers or bags away from home. Your garbage may smell like a gourmet meal to a family of rodents looking for a meal.
Bring In The Pros
While there is a lot you can do to lower the risk of rodents entering your home, professional rodent control services are also a great option. For additional help with your rodent issues in the winter, contact Dustin Pest Control today!