As the weather starts to cool off, pests of all kinds will be looking for a warm and cozy place to call home for the winter.
Pretty much all pests, including rodents, need food, water and shelter to survive. Whatever you do, don’t make your home or business a rodent AirBNB with an all-you-can-eat buffet!
It’s always smart to prep your home for cold weather so rodents like mice, rats, squirrels and other wildlife won’t be tempted to move in. After all, rodents can be dangerous; many of them carry bacteria, parasites and diseases.
Rodents can cause major damage to your home, too, by chewing through wood, insulation and electrical wiring, which can pose a fire risk.
Here are a few simple things you can do to keep your home or office rodent-free.
- Take away their food and water sources. Be sure to keep your home or office clean, especially in the kitchen or break rooms. Store food in airtight containers. Use trash cans with lids, and take the trash out regularly. Fix any leaks.
- Time for “fall cleaning.” It’s easy for pests of all kinds to hide in clutter. Do a bit of “fall cleaning,” both inside and out, to deter pests. Remove clutter and heavy vegetation from the yard. While you’re at it, trim trees and shrubs so they are not very close to your home or business.
- Be mindful of your fruit trees. Pick up any fruit that has fallen off of the trees in your yard.
- Patch it up! Rodents can sneak in through even the smallest cracks and holes. Patch up any openings you find with steel wool, plaster, cement, caulk or hardware cloth.
- Close the door – the garage door, that is. If your home has a garage door, keep it closed when not in use, especially overnight. Rodents are most active at night and can find a way in easily.
- Adopt a cat. Cats love to hunt. However, don’t forget to keep their food and treats sealed, so rodents aren’t tempted to chow down on cat food.
- Time to recycle. Rodents like to chew and nest in cardboard boxes, so try not to use them if possible. Send those carboard boxes, or old magazines, to the recycle bin.
If you’ve found signs of an infestation – such as rodent droppings, nests or gnaw marks – don’t mess with traps. Call the professionals! We are equipped to handle any rodent infestation of any size.
Contact us now for a free estimate, or call us at (434) 322-PEST (7378).