Identify and Prevent Rodent Infestations
The Zolo Pest Control team has prepared the following tips to help with pest control prevention measures.
You may never see a mouse or rat unless an infestation is severe. Look for signs of rat or mouse infestation:
- Rodent droppings around food packages, in drawers or cupboards, and under the sink.
- Nesting material such as shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter.
- Signs of chewing on food packaging.
- Holes chewed through walls and floors that create entry points into the home.
- Stale smells coming from hidden areas.
- Prevention Measures
When it comes to preventing rodent infestations That old saying about an ounce of prevention being worn a pound of cure is an apt analogy. Taking the time to enact prevention measures in and around your home now will save you a major headache later in the fall when rodents are actively seeking shelter from the cold. The following are some tried and true tips to keep your home (and office) free from Mice or rats this fall and winter. - Prevention Measures
Seal any cracks and crevices with silicone caulk, paying special attention to areas where utility pipes enter the structure. - Fill Larger Gaps Inside Your Residence
Due to the fact that pests can enter homes through holes the size of a dime and rats through holes the size of a quarter, homeowners should fill larger gaps inside the residence with pieces of steel wool. This deters rodents because they are unable to gnaw through this material. - Screen Attic Vents and Openings to Chimneys
And don’t forget to replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundations and windows. - Eliminate Possible Nesting Sites Outside the Home
This includes leaf piles and deep mulch. Avoid providing pest harborage sites around the home by keeping shrubbery well-trimmed and ensuring that mulch is kept at least 15 inches away from the foundation. No matter how fond you may be of your late uncle’s old convertible and those worn-out tires you were going to use one day, get rid of them because mice and rats can use them as shelter. - Keep Bird Feeders Away from The House
While we all love to feed the wild birds, do not do so while trying to control an rodent infestation. You can get bird food that contains items without husks and these are acceptable because they do not become food for rodents once the birds eat the inner kernel. Keep bird feeders away from the house and utilize squirrel guards to limit access to the feeder by squirrels and other rodents. - Eliminate Access to Water Sources Both Inside and Outside
This requires the serious inspection of gutters by making sure they are cleared of any debris build-up. This ensures that water can run freely through them. Remove birdbaths from property and always empty wading pools when they are not in use. Finally, fix any leaky hoses or outdoor faucets. Always put pet food away after use and do not leave food or water bowls out overnight. - Remove Bird or Other Wild Animal Feeders from Your Property
Outside your home you must also store your trash in garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Remove any wild animal feeders from your property and make sure to pick up uneaten pet food in between feedings. It is also important to pick up any fruits and vegetables that may have fallen to the ground in and around garden areas. Compost piles must be secure so that rodents cannot gain ingress and feed upon them. - Vacuum And Mop the Floors of Your Home Regularly
Home owners must make sure that all human and pet food is stored in either the refrigerator or in airtight containers. Any and all crumbs and spills must be cleaned up immediately. It may be inconvenient, but those large kitchen appliances must be pulled out and cleaned, which means removing any debris that might have collected behind them. Vacuum and mop the floors of your home regularly and wash dishes on a daily basis.
Hiring a professional pest control company from the beginning will save you so much time and stress, rather than going through trial and error by doing it yourself. Leave the hard work to the professionals with the know-how to quickly eliminate your pest problem once and for all. Save yourself time, energy, and frustration by hiring our reputable pest control company. Our trained and licensed pest technicians will be able to solve your problem quickly and effectively because they are knowledgeable about pests and effective treatments. After all, it is what they do every day. Stop throwing away your time and hard-earned money only to have to call a professional anyway. Get professional help and get it done right the first time..