5 Tips For Rodent Control In Your Home

Rodents, particularly rats, can be a menace in your home. They are more than just little creatures looking for food, water, and shelter. They can wreak havoc in your home by damaging your property, spreading diseases, contaminating food storage and preparation areas, and even triggering fires by chewing electric wires. 

So, what are some tips for rodent control in your home?

Block Entry Points

The most vulnerable areas in your home for a rat infestation are the foundation and walls of the house. Due to their size, rats can get in through small cracks or holes within your home. You should inspect the joints around your windows and doors for cracks that rats can squeeze through.

Also, check out the edges of your garage door and the attic of your home. These places provide a suitable breeding ground for rats with a lesser risk of detection.

Avoid Installing Bird Feeders Near Your House

Your bird feeder can attract rodents, such as rats and squirrels. They come to eat the food in the bird feeder. If the feeder is too close to the house, the rodents will invade your home to look for more food. So, move the feeder as far away from the house as possible.

Place Food in Sealed Containers

When food items, such as nuts, bread, rice, and maize, are left uncovered, they can attract rodents. You should safely store these food items in sealed containers and place them on high shelves. Without accessible food, rodents will give your house a wide berth.

Use Mint and Essential Oils

Rats hate strong scents, such as mint. Use cotton balls to soak up mint and an essential oil solution like peppermint. Place the cotton balls in places likely to be infested with rats. You must keep replacing the cotton balls regularly because rain can wash away the solution.

You can also plant mint in your garden as further caution against a rat invasion. Note that mint is a fast-growing plant, so you don't have to worry about the plants taking too long to mature.

Inspect Items

You should inspect all the items coming into your home. Rats can easily hide in boxes, traveling bags, grocery bags, and packages. Some of these items, like packages, are usually stored in large congested warehouses, so rats will likely get into your home if you don't inspect them. 

Also, inspect the things your children bring into your home. Children can carry items from rat-infested areas, such as the sewer, and bring them into your home.

Contact a local pest control company, such as Pest Pros, to learn more.