Rodents are undeniably one of the most common pests in homes, but there are steps you can take to keep them out of your home. Like to use and clean your garbage disposal after every use. Store garbage in tightly sealed garbage bags, sealed containers, or in the freezer. Cover all food that may attract mice with a thin layer of peanut butter or shredded cheese. This works to keep mice from discovering food and may keep other insects from feeding on this food.
Secure all cupboards and cabinets that have access to the home’s plumbing, air conditioner, furnace, and other electrical items. Keep drain covers closed to keep mice from getting inside and chewing or nesting near the drain. Keep your home clean and free of clutter, as it gives a dwelling the feeling of being inhabited.
Sometimes, they’re just too persistent, so we suggest the following:
Isolate Pet Food Supplies from the Floor and Countertop
The litter in the trash or basket is an ideal nesting material for a mouse or other rodent, so make sure pet food is stored in tightly sealed containers. If you have more than one cat, provide each one with his own litter box to prevent any cross-contamination. Learn more by clicking here.
Wet pet foods may also attract mice and rats. Soaking the food in a plastic bag before storing it in the pantry will help keep any pests out. If you need to store pet food in the pantry, check the pantry location often for any unwanted wildlife. Avoid keeping pet food on the floor of the pantry or by the sink.
Pay Attention to Plug-Ins
Many people store flashlights, candles, matches, and even oil and gas for their lamps in a coat closet in their garage. These common items often attract vermin. To prevent unwanted pests, make sure you’re storing these items away from your garage and make sure they are plugged into an electrical outlet.
Blocking Off Unwanted Entry
It may be tempting to leave the garage door ajar while you’re gone, but unless you’re planning to leave your garage open during the summer or into the early fall, keep it securely closed. Use heavy-duty double-paned (or better yet, sealed) exterior doors on the garage. Any gaps between the door and frame allow rodents and other animals to enter.
It is also important to regularly check that the weather stripping on your doors and around the windows is tight and in good repair. If you live in a wood-frame house, make sure you leave a gap of at least 1 1/2 to 2 inches on all exterior walls between the building and the ground. Any holes in the siding should be sealed and covered with weatherstripping. You can use copper weatherstrip or other weather stripping to help seal out unwanted visitors.
Eliminate External Insects
Keep trees and shrubs well-trimmed around the house. Regularly rake or blow leaves and debris away from the house, gutters, and downspouts to prevent woodpeckers, squirrels, rabbits, voles, and other animals from nesting in them. It is also important to inspect your roof for any cavities that may be an entry point for rodents.
When you set up your outdoor lights at night, be sure to remove any areas where insects may gain access. A lot of people set up decorative string lights, but be sure they are weather- and rodent-resistant. Always inspect your grill and barbecue grates for potential nesting materials or other critters. You should also inspect your garden hose to make sure that spiders, cobwebs, and other animals are not resting on it.
Use Products to Minimize or Eliminate the Need for Traps
If you are willing to do more pest control, consider purchasing products that kill and contain the pest, including myrtle trees, fish, and birds — which are often used for bait by some pests — and termite, roach, and ants’ baits. As with most products, these are readily available in hardware stores, drug stores, and online.
These tips and suggestions are definitely going to be your first help in order to cope up with rodents.
A fervent champion for holistic well-being, graces this community with her expertise in health and fitness. With a solid educational foundation in physical fitness and a commitment to empowering others, Sara distills her extensive knowledge and experience into actionable insights. Her writing, firmly grounded in evidence-based practices, aims to demystify health complexities and inspire readers to cultivate sustainable habits for a balanced life. As a certified fitness trainer, Sara offers a well-rounded perspective on wellness. Join Sara on this transformative journey towards a happier, healthier, and more vibrant you.
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