Although it doesn’t get as cold in Houston during the fall and winter months as it might in other parts of the country, an increase in rodent and other pest control problems is certainly still pervasive. As the weather begins to cool, pests begin looking for suitable homes in which to stay warm during the winter. And they might be considering your home as an option!
Mice, rats, and other rodents such as squirrels and even raccoons can be kept out of your home and property with a few simple home-maintenance checks for rodent control:
Doors and Windows
Cracks and crevices next to door and windows might go unnoticed, but mice are so small that they can sneak in through holes as small as a nickel or a dime. Even their larger rat cousins only need a hole about the size of a quarter in order to squeeze through. Perform an inspection of cracks around your windows and doors that might have appeared over recent months. Seal up cracks with caulk or add weather stripping under doors. This not only helps keep rodents out, but also keeps cold weather out and heating in.
Exterior Weaknesses
So many areas on your property can act as invitations for rodents to enter your home or other buildings. Holes for plumbing, cable wires, sewage pipes, uncovered outdoor vents, loose siding, loose clapboard, holes in skirting, and so many other spots can be easily found by mice and rats. Don’t forget you’re your garage can act as an easy entry point for rodents to find their way into your home. Perform needed repairs yourself or call in an expert to make sure that your property is completely pest-proof by filling holes, securing loose parts, and covering vents or openings.
Landscaping
Take some time to cut back vegetation and tidy up your yard. Grass should be cut and bushes well-trimmed. Rake leaves but remember not to pile them up next to the foundation of your home. Keep them at least two feet away so that rodents don’t see this as a way to hide while sneaking into your home.
See Also: 7 Facts You Didn’t Know About Mice
Roof Tops
Not just the roof, but your attic and crawl space should be inspected to be sure that you aren’t providing an inviting hiding spot for rodents of all kinds. Chimneys should be covered so that raccoons, other rodents, or even birds can’t get inside to build a nest—and then have their babies in there. Attic windows and entry points should be inspected and all cracks sealed. Loose roof tiles should be re-affixed to eliminate rodent entry points. Gutters should be cleaned and repaired to remove the temptation for rodents to settle in. Missing insulation needs to be replaced and openings should be sealed with materials that are rodent-proof.
Food Storage
Keeping rodents out of your kitchen means getting rid of the reason they are drawn there in the first place: access to food. Of course, you have to store food in your kitchen, but sealing it up will make it inaccessible to mice or rats, sending them off looking for a food source somewhere else. Check the insides of cabinets and drawers for holes, and seal up any you find. Make sure your food is stored in airtight containers that rodents can’t chew through. They can easily gnaw on cardboard or paper, so think more along the lines of sealable plastic, glass, or metal containers for your food.
The best way to protect your home or get rid of mice and rats is to contact a pest control professional. If you find that you need help with simple pest prevention processes, or you need a full-on rat extermination plan, Cypress Creek Pest Control in Houston is available for your residential or commercial rodent control needs. Contact us today!
