“Rodents” can refer to several furry little creatures like squirrels and chipmunks, but mice and rats are the most common types that invade homes. While they might be tiny, they sure know how to make a big mess. They can chew through wood, insulation, and even electric wires, which can lead to the danger of fire in your home. Plus, they have a knack for hiding in the most unexpected places. But fear not, we’ll show you how to get rid of them.
Signs You Have a Rodent Infestation in Your Home
- Mini (and many!) dark oblong-shaped droppings near food sources
- Nibble marks on kitchen cabinets, baseboards, or storage boxes
- Scratching sounds from roofs and walls
- Shredded paper or other paper product that has been used as a nesting material
- Pets intensely pawing at walls or floorboards
Here are some easy ways to make sure that mice and rats aren’t making themselves at home in your home.
1. Tidy Up
Rodents can survive on as little as 15-20 grams of food a day, which means even tiny crumbs can keep them going. So, after dinner, make it a habit to wipe down those counters and put away those dirty dishes. A clean house is an inhospitable one for these critters.
Also, don’t let clutter take over your space. Mice and rats love to hide in the mess, so keep your floors and surfaces clean and visible. Pay extra attention to storage areas like basements, attics, and those mysterious closets that aren’t frequently opened.
2. Seal up Food and Lock it Away
Seal the deal, quite literally! Mice aren’t food snobs, so it’s crucial to keep food containers, trash bins, and even pet food tightly sealed. If your pets are messy eaters, consider feeding them at specific mealtimes to prevent leaving a buffet for rodents.
3. Seal Entry Points in Your Home
Rodents are sneaky little creatures, and open doors and windows are their invitation to a feast. Keep them always shut, and if you want some fresh air, install screens to keep the critters out. Check your doors and windows for tiny openings too. Remember, mice can squeeze through a hole as small as a quarter inch, so patch up any potential entry points.
4. Spruce Up Your Yard
Even with a well-guarded pantry, mice love to venture outside for snacks and then sneak back in for a cozy nap. Keep outdoor food sources to a minimum by staying on top of your garden, tidying up fallen birdseed, and securing trash cans full of delicious food waste. Also, keep your lawn mowed and free of weeds. Tall grass is like a rodent hide-and-seek playground.
Already Have an Infestation? Here Are Your Options
- Use Rodent Traps: Get creative with traps! There are all sorts of contraptions out there, from classic snap traps to more humane live-catch options. The only downside to this method is that you must deal with the caught rodents yourself.
- Get a Feline Friend: Cats are natural hunters and can help keep your rodent population in check. Plus, they make purr-fect companions!
- Hire a Professional: Sometimes, DIY solutions just won’t cut it.
Let the Professionals Handle It
Rodents can be tricky to deal with on your own, and they’re not the cleanest creatures either. Plus, they can carry some nasty diseases. That’s where we come in. We’ll get the job done right the first time, and we back it up with the Waynes World Class Solutions Money Back Guarantee. Say goodbye to those unwanted houseguests and hello to a rodent-free home! Call us today at 866.WAYNES1!
Meredith Boyd, Social Media and Marketing Specialist – www.callwaynes.com
