A number of pests cause notable problems when they enter your home, and stopping them from doing so in the first place is the ideal form of prevention. Rodents are a great example, and there are some simple ways to avoid them infesting your home.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re here to help. We offer the best pest control services you’ll find across Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Sandy, West Valley City and nearby areas, including everything from insect control options like ant control to rodent control and more. Here are some tips on rodent proofing your home to ensure these annoying and potentially dangerous pests can’t find their way inside, whether on your own or with help from our rodent control specialists whenever needed.
Why Rodents Are Problematic
Before we get into the prevention methods, let’s first discuss why rodents are such a problem in homes. First and foremost, they can carry a range of diseases and bacteria that can be harmful to humans – these include conditions like leptospirosis, hantavirus, rat bite fever and salmonellosis.
But beyond this, rodents also cause significant damage to property. They have strong teeth that constantly grow, meaning they must gnaw on things regularly to keep them at a manageable length. Unfortunately for homeowners, this often means chewing on insulation, wires and other vital components of your home – which can lead to expensive repairs or even fires.
Lastly, rodents also reproduce quickly and infestations can get out of hand before you know it. This is why prevention is so crucial.
Locating and Sealing Entry Points
One of the first and most important steps in rodent prevention is locating and sealing off any potential entry points into your home. Rodents are small and can squeeze through cracks or holes as small as a quarter inch, so it’s important to be thorough.
Inspect the exterior of your home for any openings – this includes spaces around pipes, vents, windows and doors. Seal these with caulk or other appropriate materials to prevent rodents from entering.
Proper Food Storage
Rodents are attracted to food sources, so proper food storage is essential in preventing them from infesting your home. Make sure to keep all food items tightly sealed in plastic or metal containers that rodents can’t chew through.
Also, avoid leaving pet food out overnight and make sure to clean up any crumbs or spills immediately. This will help eliminate potential food sources for rodents.
Eliminating Hiding Places
Rodents like to hide in cluttered or dark, quiet areas – so eliminating these hiding places can also help prevent infestations. Keep your home tidy and organized, and seal off any potential nesting spots such as piles of leaves or firewood.
For instance, if you have a garage or shed where items are stored, make sure to keep these areas clean and organized. This will not only help prevent rodents, but it will also make it easier to spot any signs of infestation.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for preventing rodent infestations in your home:
- Keep outdoor trash cans tightly sealed and away from the house.
- Use screens on windows and doors to prevent entry.
- Trim trees and shrubs near the house, as these can provide easy access for rodents onto the roof.
By following these prevention methods, you can save yourself the hassle and potential hazards of dealing with a rodent infestation.
When It’s Time to Call in the Pros
In many cases, you’ll be able to successfully prevent rodents from entering your home on your own. However, if you do end up with an infestation despite your best efforts, it’s important to call in the professionals for help.
Some signs that you may have a rodent infestation that requires professional attention include:
- Significant dropping buildup: A few droppings here and there may not be cause for concern, but if you notice a significant buildup in certain areas of your home, it’s likely that you have an infestation.
- Strange noises: If you hear scratching or scurrying noises coming from your walls or attic, this could be a sign of rodents.
- Chew marks: As mentioned earlier, rodents will chew on anything to keep their teeth at a manageable length. If you notice chew marks on wires, insulation, or other materials in your home, this is a clear sign of rodent activity.
If you encounter any of these signs or suspect that you have a rodent infestation in your home, contact A-1 Exterminators for professional rodent control services. Our team has the experience and expertise to safely and effectively remove rodents from your home, as well as provide prevention methods to keep them from returning. Don’t wait until an infestation gets out of hand – trust us to help you protect your home and family from these pesky pests, whether you’re in SLC, West Jordan, Sandy, West Valley or any nearby area!
