Four Steps to Protect Yourself from Rodents Trying to Move in This Winter
Chilly temperatures, icy mornings, shorter days and the roar of the furnace all mean one thing: winter is here. Most families spend the winter months away from the cold inside the warmth of their homes. Unfortunately, rodents usually have the same idea in mind. These fuzzy pests attempt to move inside homes during the winter where they can lay in wait until the warm temperatures and their usual food sources return. They’ll hide in the crawlspace beneath the home, the attic, the walls, the cupboards or a forgotten closet for months. The rats will find new food sources in the kitchen, or even in the household trash.
The best way to protect your home from rats this winter is to stop the problem before it ever starts. Follow these four tips from a rat exterminator in Oroville, CA to keep rats outside where they belong.
Close off any entry points
Start by closing off any opening that could provide an entryway for those pesky rodents. Inspect the windows, doors, roof, pipes and the home foundation for any cracks or gaps. Mice and rats can enter a home through an opening as small as the size of a quarter. Once they find a potential entrance, they’ll just gnaw on it to make the opening even larger. Also check around the ventilators, roof shingles and the chimney for any leaks they could enter through. Repair any spots immediately.
Clean it up
Rodents won’t be as motivated to invade a home if there isn’t a food source available, so you want to make it as difficult as possible for them to find food. Clean up any crumbs and wash all dirty dishes as soon as possible after eating. Store any leftover food in sealed plastic containers before safely putting them in the fridge. Pet food should be taken out of the original bag and stored in an airtight plastic or glass container. Keeping everything clean will remove the incentive for rodents. Don’t forget to tidy up outside of the home, too. Trees should be trimmed to prevent rats from jumping from the branches and onto the roof.
Keep garbage sealed
An overflowing garbage can is like a personal invitation for a rat. Keep trash bags sealed in a closed garbage container. This way, rodents won’t be able to smell any food waste. Take the trash out frequently and make sure the outside garbage cans are placed at least 15 feet away from the home.
Hire a rat exterminator in Oroville, CA
Preventative rodent control is the best way to ensure your home is free of rats, mice and other vermin during the coldest months of the year. A rat exterminator in Oroville, CA can inspect your home for any vulnerable points before advising on any measures to remedy the problem. Typically, the inspection should be done before the end of the fall season, but it’s not too late to schedule one for this winter.
Call Hobbs Pest Solutions today to arrange a free estimate or schedule a rodent inspection. We look forward to helping you keep your home pest-free!
Categorised in: Rats