Tips For Dealing With Rodents During The Winter Months
When winter arrives and the temperatures fall, you're not the only one that wants to spend time inside to escape the cold weather. As a homeowner, it is important to be proactive and prepared to deal with mice, rats, and other small rodents during the winter months. Rodents regularly seek out homes for shelter, food, and water, and this is especially true when it is cold outside. No one wants to deal with a rodent infestation-- they can cause a lot of damage inside your home and they also carry a number of diseases. Use the following tips to deal with rodents in and around your home this winter:
Don't Provide Food
When it comes to dealing with rodents, the last thing you want to do is provide a regular food source. Doing so only makes the problem worse, and before you know it the rodents will begin reproducing and you'll have a full-blown infestation on your hands. It is very important to make sure that there is no food available anywhere in your home, especially the kitchen. Keep all non-perishable food in sealed plastic or glass containers, remove pet food from the floor after feedings, keep counter tops clear of crumbs and debris, rinse dishes before putting them in the sink, and avoid leaving produce on the counter.
Secure Your Trash Cans
What you consider trash can be a feast for rodents. It is always in your best interest to have a trash can with a heavy lid inside your kitchen. When it is time to take out the trash, make sure that you seal the trash bags and place them in your outside garbage bin. Always ensure that the lid of your outside garbage bin is firmly in pace so your trash is not accessible to rodents.
Prune Your Bushes and Trees
If you have reason to worry about rodents in your home, pay careful attention to pruning your bushes and trimming your trees. Overgrown bushes and shrubs provide hiding spots for rodents, and overgrown trees near your home give rodents easy access to your roof and attic. Keeping up on pruning and trimming will make your yard and home much less attractive to rodents.
Contact a Pest Control Company
It is always a good idea to contact a reputable pest control company if you have dealt with rodents during past winters or if you have seen a mouse or rat in your house. A pest control technician will be able to seal off access points and place baits and traps in order to take care of rodents in your home before an infestation occurs. Companies like Environmental Pest Control can help.
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