Keeping rodents out of your home is important for many reasons. In addition to raiding your pantry and leaving droppings behind, rats and mice can also spread various diseases to you or your pets. Luckily, there are many ways to protect yourself from a rodent infestation.
It’s very easy for rodents to sneak into your home through small holes in walls, doors, crawl spaces, fireplaces, and vents. Properly sealing your home will reduce your risk of rodents getting in. Smaller holes can be filled with caulk and/or steel wool. Larger holes and cracks can be filled with cement, gardening cloth, metal sheets, and plastic weather strips. Rats and mice can also burrow in through your roof or foundation, so check for holes and leaks regularly and hire a professional to patch holes if needed.
Rats and mice will sneak into your home in search of food. As a result, infestations tend to be more likely in homes with poor sanitation and food storage. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your home clean and reduce the risk of an infestation.
If you see evidence of a rat or mouse in your home, seal all possible entryways and start placing snap traps around your home immediately. Most rodents tend to stay out of sight as much as they can so try placing traps inside pantries, cabinets, underneath appliances or along the wall for the best results. While traps can be successful for dealing with one or two rodents, professional help is the best and safest way to handle a bigger infestation.
If your rodent infestation is getting worse and traps aren’t helping, it may be time to hire a professional. The experts at Orange Environmental Services in Jacksonville will know exactly how to help. They can point out possible entry holes and help you determine the best course of action to eliminate rodents, either through traps or extermination. Protect your home and family from rats and mice by contacting us today for a free estimate!