10 Tips for Keeping Rodents Away
Rodent infestations can be expensive and time-consuming to deal with, and trying to handle them on your own can be dangerous. If you suspect your San Antonio home may already be housing rodents, contact Critter Control of San Antonio to solve the issue humanely and effectively. However, if you are looking to prevent any rodent visitors, these 10 tips are a great place to start:
- Seal Entry Points The best way to reduce the possibility of letting unwanted rodents into your home is to seal any possible entrances. The smallest species can get inside through holes as narrow as half an inch in diameter, so it is important to seal even the smallest of openings.
- Store Food Properly Rodents enter your home and stay there when there is a stable food supply. Rodents first eat food crumbs felt on floors or counters, but if that food source becomes insufficient, they will look begin to search inside cabinets or drawers where food is likely to be hidden.
- Deep Clean Floors Regular cleaning and sanitation help eliminate potential food sources that entice rodents indoors.
- Peppermint Oil / Mint Leaves Using peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls or sprinkling mint leaves around any areas you suspect may have rodent activity works effectively as a repellent.
- Tightly Close Trash Lids Most rodents enter homes on the search for food and shelter. Trash cans are typically an easily accessible food source for these critters. However, investing in trash cans that have high-quality lids and close tightly can be a major help in cutting off a rodent’s food supply within your home.
- Clear Water Sources Especially during the driest and warmest months of the year, thirsty rodents may become desperate while looking for a source of water, wherein your kitchen becomes a utopia. Cleaning up spilled water and not leaving full cups or cooking pots around is a great way to cut off any water supplies within your home.
- Keep Attics, Basements, and Crawl Spaces Ventilated & Dry Rodents love to nest in moist dark spaces, so keeping any storage areas clean, dry, and well-ventilated can make these spots less optimal for them.
- Store Firewood Appropriately Storing firewood at least twenty feet away from your home is a great way to prevent rodents from entering your home since firewood piles create appealing habitats.
- Keep Yard Clean Branch piles and well-shaded shrubs close to your home make great habitats for rodents. Making sure shrubs, trees, and other landscaping are trimmed back and well-maintained can prevent rodents from making their home uncomfortably close to yours.
- Check Weather Stripping New weather stripping can be a great way to protect your home from rodents entering. But when that weather stripping becomes worn and weak, it may act as a main entry point for these nuisance critters.
Critter Control of San Antonio will remove and prevent raccoons, mice, birds, skunks, and other wildlife animals from coming into your home and property. Contact us as soon as you suspect a wildlife control problem to avoid costly damages.