As the crisp air of autumn sweeps across New York, a new wave of uninvited guests starts to look for a warmer place to stay. Rodents, particularly mice and rats, are experts at seeking shelter from the impending cold. Your home provides the perfect refuge. A small crack in the foundation, a tiny gap under a door, or an unsealed pipe entry can be all it takes for these pests to make their way inside.
It's not just about an unsettling sighting; rodent infestations can lead to significant damage and health risks. They can chew through electrical wires, potentially causing fires, and contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings and urine. Staying ahead of the problem is key, and with a proactive approach, you can effectively secure your home against these persistent invaders.
Seal All Entry Points
This is the most critical step in rodent-proofing your home. Think like a mouse and look for tiny spaces they could squeeze through. A mouse can fit through an opening the size of a dime, and a rat can get through a space the size of a quarter.
Foundation and Walls: Carefully inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks or holes in the foundation, siding, and around windows. Use steel wool, which rodents can't chew through, and then seal the gaps with caulk or expanding foam.
Doors and Windows: Make sure all doors, including garage doors, have tight-fitting seals. Install door sweeps and check the weather stripping around windows to ensure there are no gaps.
Pipes and Vents: Pay close attention to the areas where pipes, wires, and utility lines enter your home. These are common entry points. Seal any gaps with caulk or a durable sealant. Cover vents with a fine mesh screen.
Manage Your Landscaping
Your yard can be a staging ground for rodents. By keeping it tidy, you can make your property less appealing to them.
Trim Back Vegetation: Rodents love to hide in overgrown bushes and dense shrubs close to the house. Trim back tree branches and shrubs so they don't touch or hang over your home.
Keep Your Yard Clean: Remove any piles of debris, woodpiles, or leaf litter that could serve as a hiding spot. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground.
Eliminate Food and Water Sources
Rodents are always on the hunt for their next meal. Making food inaccessible is a simple yet effective way to deter them.
Secure Food Storage: Store all food, including pet food, in sealed, airtight containers. Don't leave food out on countertops overnight.
Clean Up Spills: Be diligent about cleaning up spills and crumbs. A messy kitchen is an open invitation for pests.
Address Leaks: Fix any leaky pipes or faucets. Rodents need a water source to survive, and a small leak can provide all they need.
Get Professional Rodent Control Services
While these DIY steps are crucial for prevention, a professional can offer a more comprehensive and long-lasting solution. An expert can identify hidden entry points you might have missed and implement a targeted treatment plan to eliminate any existing infestations.
If you've already noticed signs of rodents—such as droppings, gnaw marks, or strange scratching noises—it's time to call the professionals from Parkway Pest Services. Don't let these pests make themselves at home. For a complete and effective solution, our rodent control services are available for homes and businesses in New York and Connecticut.
Call us today at (888) 695-6490 to protect your home and your family this fall.