Effective Ways to Prevent Rodents from Entering Your Home

Home Improvement

It doesn’t take much space for rodents to invade your home. Rats can easily fit through a hole as small as a half dollar, while mice only need an opening the size of a nickel [source: CDC]. To keep your house free from rodents, it’s important to seal up as many openings as possible.

Here are some effective ways to prevent rodents from entering your home:

• Thoroughly inspect all entrances for openings and seal them immediately.
• Install rodent barriers around decks, patios, and porches.
• Eliminate moisture by fixing a leaky roof and clogged gutters.
• Install a chimney cap to prevent rodents from entering through the chimney.
• Trim trees so they don’t overhang or touch your house.
• Remove any fruits, nuts, pet food, or other food sources from your yard.
• Check around the foundation for openings and seal them immediately.
• Weather strip and caulk all windows and doors, including your garage door.
• Move plants and shrubs away from the house.
• Keep firewood a distance from your house and garage, and remove any infested logs.
• Store woodpiles off the ground and cover them with a tarp [source: Critter Control].

Rodents often enter a house through a crawlspace. Here’s how to prevent them from entering:

• Inspect your home’s crawlspace, inside and out, and seal every opening and crack, no matter how small. Be sure to check beneath walls, in corners, and in the cracks between the door and the wall. Use caulking, foam insulation, or wood for larger openings.
• Create a water barrier between the ground and the crawlspace to minimize moisture, which attracts rodents.
• Move hedges and brush away from the walls of the house.
• Build a small concrete wall and floor around and beneath the house to prevent rodents from digging their way beneath the crawlspace.
• Lay traps around the crawlspace wherever you suspect rodents enter. Check the traps frequently and dispose of any that were tripped. Take note of the areas where rodents are most active and seal them immediately.
• Be vigilant. Once you seal up one entry point, rodents will likely find another one [source: Do It Yourself].

FAQ

1. What are the most common rodents found in households?

The most common rodents found in households are mice and rats. These rodents can enter homes through small holes and gaps in walls, floors, and foundation.

2. How do I know if there are rodents in my house?

You may notice droppings, gnawed food or packaging, or hear scratching or scurrying in walls or ceilings. Rodents may also leave greasy trails along walls or floors.

3. What are some natural ways to keep rodents out of my home?

Some natural ways to keep rodents out of your home include sealing all cracks and holes, keeping food in airtight containers, and using peppermint oil or dryer sheets as a deterrent. You can also use humane traps to catch and release rodents.

4. How can I prevent rodents from entering my home in the first place?

You can prevent rodents from entering your home by sealing all cracks and holes, keeping food in airtight containers, and clearing clutter that can provide hiding places. You can also trim trees and shrubs away from the house to prevent rodents from using them as a pathway.

5. What are some signs that rodents have infested my home?

Signs of a rodent infestation include droppings, gnawed food or packaging, and damage to walls or insulation. You may also notice a strong odor or hear scratching or scurrying in walls or ceilings.

6. Should I use poison to get rid of rodents?

It is not recommended to use poison to get rid of rodents as it can be harmful to other animals and humans. Humane traps are a more ethical and safe option.

7. How can I keep rodents out of my garden?

You can keep rodents out of your garden by using fencing or netting, planting rodent-repelling plants like mint or lavender, and keeping the garden free of debris and clutter that can provide hiding places.

8. What should I do if I find a nest of baby rodents in my home?

If you find a nest of baby rodents in your home, it is best to contact a wildlife removal professional. They can safely remove the nest and relocate the baby rodents to a safe location.

9. How do I clean up after a rodent infestation?

To clean up after a rodent infestation, wear gloves and a mask to protect against disease-carrying bacteria. Use a disinfectant to clean all surfaces that may have come into contact with rodents or their droppings. Dispose of contaminated items in sealed plastic bags.

10. Can rodents cause damage to my home?

Yes, rodents can cause damage to your home by gnawing on walls, floors, and furniture. They can also cause damage to electrical wiring, which can be a fire hazard.

11. How often should I check for signs of rodents in my home?

You should check for signs of rodents in your home at least once a month. This will help you catch any infestations early and prevent them from becoming a bigger problem.

12. What should I do if I see a rodent in my home?

If you see a rodent in your home, set a humane trap to catch and release it. You should also seal any holes or gaps where the rodent may have entered your home.