Nobody wants to find a rodent in their home, but let’s face it: your home may be an easy target for a rodent infestation, especially during the winter. Rodents are incredibly resourceful creatures, and if you aren’t taking the proper steps to prepare your home, you are likely to be at risk for a rodent problem. As the weather cools, the warmth of our homes is just as enticing to rodents as it is to us. While these furry creatures mean no harm, they still shouldn’t be welcome in your home. That’s why we’ve put together this post to help you prevent a rodent problem before it begins.

Start Inside

When it comes to preventing a rodent problem, the first thing you should do is store all pantry food in glass containers. Rodents invade your home for food and shelter. If you take away the food, you’re less likely to have a rodent problem. Rodents have an impeccable sense of smell so make sure even the smallest amounts of food are sealed. What’s more, they can carry dangerous illnesses like Hantavirus or Salmonella, so it is important to keep them away for the health of your family.

The next thing you should do is inspect your home for any potential entry points for rodents. A mouse can fit through a hole that is as small as the diameter of a dime. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly scan your home for any holes or cracks in the walls, floors, ceilings or fireplace. You’ll also want to inspect near doors and windows, and by outlets or air conditioning vents. If you find any cracks or holes around your home, you can seal them with caulk to ensure that there are no pathways available for rodents or other pests to enter your home.

Outdoor Prep

One thing you can do to help avoid a rodent problem this winter is install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens. This may be one of the most important steps you can take in preventing a winter pest invasion. It’s important to inspect the doors and windows of your home then seal any potential points of entry and install door sweeps to seal the doors tightly. You’ll also want to check the areas where utilities and pipes enter the home and use caulk to make sure they are all well-sealed.

You should also rid your yard of clutter to help avoid a rodent problem. Rodents can take shelter in clutter around or near the home, especially any that is on the ground. If there is clutter anywhere around your home, whether it’s on a porch or patio or in your driveway or yard, clean it up right away. By getting rid of these items, you can eliminate potential homes for rodents, keeping them further away from yours.

This next one follows the same principle. Firewood is a great place for rodents to burrow in the winter. If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, you could be bringing pests indoors in your firewood. By storing your firewood farther away from the home and on an elevated platform, you can reduce the risk of rodents infiltrating your firewood pile. Finally, be mindful of where the wood came from as transporting it from another area can introduce potentially harmful pests to your area.

As you can see, there are numerous things you can to do lower your risk of a rodent problem. We understand that sometimes, a pest problem is unavoidable and even the cleanest, most protected homes are affected. That’s why it’s more important than ever to hire a pest management team that knows the ins and outs of pest control and understands how to eliminate and avoid a rodent problem. The Eagle Pest Services team works tirelessly to ensure that your home or business is pest-free and that you are well-educated so you can avoid another infestation. Call us today to schedule a consultation by dialing 1-888-616-8739.