As the temperatures drop outside, your home will seem extra inviting to pests and rodents like squirrels, rats, and mice. These uninvited guests are not only a nuisance, they also contaminate food, spread disease (salmonella bacteria and hantavirus through their urine and feces or directly through bites), and cause structural damage (by chewing through wood and electrical wires, leading to possible house fires).

Prevention

Prevention is easier than removal when it comes to rodents, so take these steps today to make your home less appealing to squirrels, rats, and mice this winter.

  • Seal entry points. Rats can fit through openings as small as a quarter and mice can fit through holes smaller than a dime! Seal any cracks, holes, and areas where pipes or utilities enter your Replace loose mortar and weather stripping and be sure to add a cap to your chimney.
  • Store firewood away from your home. Store your stockpile of wood (a favorite hideout for mice and rats) at least 20 feet from the home and at least 18 inches off the ground.
  • Do some landscaping. Remove rodent hiding places by trimming back overgrown vegetation, removing weeds, and cleaning up leaf piles. Pay close attention to tree branches that hang over your home because these provide rodents with easy access to your roof, attic, and eaves.
  • Clear clutter. Store boxes off of the floor, clear out unused items, and pick up piles of laundry from the floors. Keep areas clear and tidy, especially non-primary living spaces such as basements, attics, and garages to make them less appealing to rodents.
  • Keep your kitchen clean. You go to the kitchen when you want a snack—and so do rodents! Keep your kitchen tidy by not leaving dishes in the sink, keeping your floors and counters clean, and keeping all food (including pet food) sealed in rodent-proof containers.

Contact the Professionals at Wild Trappers

If you hear scratching, rustling, gnawing, and running (especially at night) you probably have some sort of rodent infestation. Other signs include nests, insulation burrows, teeth/chew marks on items in infested areas, droppings, and urine smells/stains. If you suspect an infestation, contact the licensed professionals at Wild Trappers to inspect your property, specifically identify your problem, and offer you the most effective solution. Contact us today to make sure your home is only cozy and welcoming to you, your family, and your invited guests this winter.