As temperatures drop, rodents seek warm shelter—often in your home. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, and rats can fit through a quarter-sized hole. Here's how to keep them out:
Inspect your home's exterior thoroughly:
- Foundation cracks
- Gaps around pipes and utility lines
- Damaged soffits and fascia
- Gaps under doors
- Holes in siding
- Chimney openings
Use the right materials:
- Steel wool (mice can't chew through it)
- Copper mesh
- Hardware cloth (1/4 inch)
- Caulk and expanding foam (with steel wool inside)
- Store pet food in metal or glass containers
- Keep birdseed in sealed containers
- Clean up fallen fruit
- Store garbage in sealed bins
- Don't leave pet food out overnight
- Trim tree branches 10+ feet from roof
- Move firewood 20 feet from home
- Clear brush and debris from foundation
- Keep grass and weeds trimmed
- Remove clutter in garage and basement
Look for:
- Droppings (rice-sized for mice, larger for rats)
- Gnaw marks on wood or wires
- Grease marks along walls
- Scratching sounds in walls at night
- Nests of shredded material
If you see one mouse, there are likely more. A professional can:
- Identify entry points you missed
- Set traps strategically
- Safely remove infestations
- Provide long-term exclusion solutions
Don't wait until rodents are inside—prevention now saves headaches later!
Learn about Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a holistic approach that minimizes risks while effectively controlling pests.
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