7 Tips to Prevent Rodents Entering Your Home This Fall
As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade and the crisp air of fall starts to settle in, it’s time to prepare your Northern California home for the changing seasons. One important aspect of fall home maintenance is keeping rodents at bay. As temperatures drop, rodents, like mice and rats, seek shelter and warmth in cozy indoor spaces, posing potential health risks and property damage. Proactively rodent-proofing your home, helps you enjoy a peaceful and pest-free fall season. Continue reading to learn more from the team at CalPro Inspection Group.
1. Seal Entry Points
Rodents can slip into your home through even the tiniest of openings. Walk around the exterior of your home and inspect for any gaps, cracks, or holes in your walls, foundation, and roof. Seal these entry points using caulk, weatherstripping, or steel wool. Pay special attention to areas around pipes, vents, and cables, as these are common entry points for rodents.
2. Maintain Landscaping
Trimming trees and bushes away from your home is not only aesthetically pleasing but also acts as a deterrent for rodents. Overhanging branches provide easy access to your roof and attic, inviting rodents to enter. Additionally, clean up fallen leaves and debris regularly, as these can create hiding spots for pests close to your home.
3. Store Firewood Properly
If you have a fireplace or wood stove, storing firewood away from your home is crucial. Piles of firewood can create a haven for rodents, offering both shelter and a potential food source. Keep firewood elevated and at least 20 feet away from your home’s exterior to prevent rodents from making their way indoors.
4. Secure Food Sources
Rodents are attracted to easily accessible food sources. Store pantry items such as grains, cereals, and pet food in airtight containers made of glass, plastic, or metal. Regularly clean up crumbs and spills, and avoid leaving food out overnight. This will not only discourage rodents but also maintain a cleaner living environment.
5. Maintain Proper Sanitation
A clean home is less appealing to rodents. Regularly empty trash cans, both inside and outside your home. Keep compost bins tightly sealed and away from your home’s exterior. Rodents are opportunistic feeders, and eliminating food waste reduces their incentive to enter your living space.
6. Organize Clutter
Clutter provides rodents with plenty of hiding spots. Organize storage areas, garages, and basements to eliminate potential nesting sites. Use plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes, as rodents can easily chew through cardboard.
7. Professional Pest Control
If you’re dealing with a persistent rodent problem, seeking professional help is a wise choice. Pest control experts have the knowledge, tools, and techniques to effectively eliminate rodents from your home and prevent future infestations.
Need help with pests and rodents? CalPro Inspection Group provides professional services to Greater Sacramento and the entire Bay Area. Contact us today at (800) 474-3540 to request a quote.