Fall Rodent & Wildlife Prevention Tips
A rodent infestation is the last thing you want to deal with going into the holiday season. Not only are these pesky creatures creepy and persistent, but they can also be incredibly damaging to your home and health. Even a small infestation can wreak havoc – from chewing walls and wires to spreading diseases, the consequences of a rodent infestation are no joke. Knowing fall rodent and wildlife prevention tips could keep you from dealing with these dangerous pests.
Particularly as temperatures drop and rodents look for warm places to spend the winter, it’s important to take a few preventative measures and keep these destructive pests out of your home. Fortunately, rodent prevention doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are our top tips for keeping rodents out of your home this fall:
Seal off any cracks or holes.
When cold weather hits, rodents and other pests will start searching for a cozy place to spend the winter. A home that is warm and easy to get into is a prime target for rodents. Taking the time to fix broken screens and seal off any cracks or holes with caulk can help prevent these pests from sneaking indoors this fall.
Properly store and dispose of trash.
If there’s one thing rodents love, it’s trash. The variety of rotting materials make an excellent food source for rodents and wildlife, which is why so many pests target unprotected garbage cans. By promptly disposing of your trash in a sealed trash can, you can cut off a potential food source for rodents and other pests.
Store food in airtight containers.
Food out in the open is like a buffet for pests and wildlife. Storing your food in airtight containers can prevent rodents from getting into your goodies, while also making it more challenging for them to find food near your home.
Fix any leaks or damp areas in your home.
Like most other creatures, rodents need a water source to survive. So, that leaky pipe or constantly damp basement is an oasis for wildlife. By fixing leaks and solving moisture problems, you are cutting off a potential water supply and making it more difficult for pests to infest your home.
Regularly clean your counters and floors.
Throughout the day, crumbs and small bits of food may collect on your countertops and floors. Even if you hardly notice the tiny mess, rodents and other pests – like ants – could snack on these crumbs. Regularly wiping down your counters and sweeping or vacuuming your floors can deter rodents by making it difficult for them to find food.
Remove clutter throughout your home.
Rodents and other pests often prefer to live in spaces with plenty of nooks and crannies, which makes a cluttered home the perfect spot for them to nest. Boxes, piles of clothes, old furniture, and other random and seldom-used items can all become great hiding places for rodents. Clearing out clutter makes it more difficult for rodents and other pests to build a secluded nest.
Clean up your landscaping.
That pile of leaves next to your home may not seem like a big deal, but it could be sheltering rodents or wildlife – which makes it that much easier for pests to enter your home once cold weather hits. If you have large bushes or piles of leaves near the foundation of your home, you may not notice that rodents are hiding out so close. Cleaning up your landscaping can prevent pests from going unnoticed.
A rodent infestation is a serious problem. While these tips can help you prevent rodents and other pests from entering your home this fall, we still recommend seeking professional help as soon as possible if you are facing an infestation.
If your home is riddled with rodents, contact Interstate Pest Management in the Pacific Northwest today! Our highly trained pest control specialists can help safely remove pests and build a personalized prevention plan to keep rodents out for good. Just give us a call today!