Although you may see rats and mice year-round, they tend to be more frequent in the fall months. With Rodent Awareness Week in full swing, it’s important to know what you can do to keep rats and mice out of your home! As temperatures drop in the fall, many rodents will be driven indoors to look for warmth and shelter. Rats and mice are infamous for their ability to squeeze through the smallest of spaces to make their way indoors, which is why it’s important to know how to protect your property against them. Read on to learn Anderson Pest Solutions’ top tips for rat and mouse prevention this fall!
Why Do Rodents Come Inside?
Like any other type of pest, rodents are seeking warmth, shelter, and food. When temperatures start to drop in October, they will seek an escape from the weather outside. This is why rodent infestations are so common in October. Once indoors, they can wreak havoc by causing structural damage and mess. Even worse, they are carriers of disease and contaminate food with their urine and droppings. Because rodents can be hard to control once indoors, it’s essential to learn how to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place!
How to Keep Rats and Mice Out This Fall
Even though rodents are notorious for getting indoors one way or another, you can lessen the chance of them succeeding in a few ways:
- Seal windows and doors: Rodents are known for their ability to squeeze through the tiniest of openings, which is why it’s important to seal any cracks or openings in your windows and doors.
- Install screens over chimneys and vents: Rats and mice may feel the warm air escaping your chimney and vents, and make their way indoors. Properly cover your vent systems and chimney.
- Repair or replace faulty pipes: Rodents are great swimmers and can make their way through your plumbing. Always fix any broken pipes in a timely manner to keep rats and mice from getting in.
- Make sure food is stored properly: Rats and mice will seek out food inside of homes. Always keep food stored in airtight containers and clean up messes or spills after meals.
- Avoid a messy, clutter-filled home: Rodents are a big fan of clutter and are attracted to messy basements and attics. Even worse, they’ll use the clutter to build their nests. Always clean up messes and avoid excess clutter.
How to Get Rid of Rats
If you’ve done all you can to protect your home against rodents and are still noticing a problem, it’s time to call a professional. Rodents aren’t just gross—they are carriers of filth and disease and need to be controlled in a reliable and timely manner. The experts at Anderson Pest Solutions not only know how to get rid of rodents but also how to keep them from ever returning.
