Rodent-proofing is essential to protecting your home. Rodent populations will continue to increase in conditions that allow easy access to food and shelter.
Below are some simple steps you can take to stop rodents from making your home theirs.
Storage
It is easy to forget about the food and items you keep stored away but mice sure have not forgotten about them. Ensuring that your cupboards and other storage areas are properly organized helps against rodents.
Store dry food, pet food and birdseed in metal or glass containers and be sure to properly seal any seasonal storage items to prevent nesting.
Avoid using cardboard boxes and raise storage items off the ground using shelving.
Sanitize
Sanitation is an important step in preventing rodent infestations. Here are some indoor and outdoor suggestions.
Indoors
Clean common crumb areas, including under stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers.
Regularly sanitize counter tops and keep them clear of food and remove uneaten pet food at night and keep the area clean. Always keep garbage cans covered.
Outdoors
Regularly mow the lawn to prevent hiding spots.
Trim overgrown vegetation until the ground underneath is visible. Clean up dropped seeds from bird feeders and pick up any fruit that has fallen from trees in your yard.
Remove any debris, including rock piles, old equipment, etc. Store firewood off the ground and away from the house.
Seal
One of the best ways to control rodents is to make it impossible for them to gain entry to your home. It can be difficult to exclude mice completely since they can pass through a hole about the size of a dime.
Rats can squeeze through a hole about the size of a quarter. Regularly inspect and repair common rodent access points to keep them out.
Common Access Points
Plug or repair all cracks and gaps in foundation, walls, basements, etc. Seal gaps and cracks around doors and window frames including garage doors. Caulk holes around pipes that lead to appliances.
Cover up any open insulation that mice may use as nesting and place seals around all exterior lines leading through walls making sure it is tight.
Rodent-Proofing Materials
Caulk, Coarse Steel Wool, Concrete, Copper or Aluminum Wire Mesh, Hardware Cloth – 19 gauge
Now that you know how rodent-proofing can help you in the battle against mice and rats, it is time for your home inspection.
(Submitted by Valley Pest Control)
Contact Keizertimes Staff:
[email protected] or 503-390-1051
SUBSCRIBE TO GET KEIZER NEWS — We report on your community with care, depth, fairness, and accuracy. Get local news that matters to you. Subscribe today to get our daily newsletters and more.
