Whether small and cozy or large and spacious, every home should be safeguarded from a rodent infestation. However, ensuring a safe and healthy environment may sound overwhelming for homeowners who don’t know where to start.
Here are six effective prevention tactics, and some common signs of a rodent infestation.
6 Effective Rodent Control Strategies to Try
Rodents can be a costly problem, causing damage to property and posing multiple health concerns to families. However, with some simple and effective at-home strategies, homeowners can better safeguard their homes and prevent infestation. So, here are some effective rodent control strategies.
1. Maintain Healthy Plumbing Throughout the Home
Leaks are problematic, and wet spots and standing water are costly issues. Moreover, they can be a prime rodent attraction, creating more problems than a homeowner may be expecting.
To prevent this issue, it’s important to regularly check and repair pipes. This includes hotspots like the kitchen and bathrooms.
2. Clean Regularly and Thoroughly
Additionally, rodents are also attracted to food sources and clutter. Therefore, it’s important to keep a regular cleaning schedule where food is stored or prepared. It’s also important that homeowners clean as thoroughly as possible. Overall, this will help them spot possible infestation signs, repair needs, and other issues.
3. Seal All Entry Points
While they’re bigger than insects, rodents can squeeze through small openings as well. That makes sealing off openings vital. This includes cracks, gaps, and holes around entry points like doors, windows, and vents.
This should be done in all home areas, indoors and outside. Areas like windows, vents, and pipes are common entry points, so be sure to examine them closely.
4. Organize Storage
Clutter is the perfect hiding spot for rodents, offering plenty of nesting materials. That’s why storage areas should be kept clean and organized, reducing secluded areas. Storage items should also be off the floor and away from the walls for harder access.
5. Maintain a Clean Yard and Garden
An overgrown yard and garden are prime real estate for invading pests and rodents. So homeowners must maintain a well-kept yard and garden. This includes…
- Trimming overgrown greenery and plants
- Removing debris and litter
- Decluttering and organizing outdoor spaces
- Regularly inspecting outdoor structures (sheds, garages)
Remember, the rodents find their entry from outside. So it’s essential to extend prevention strategies to the yard and garden, stopping them early on.
6. Work with Professional Pest Technicians
If a homeowner struggles with an infestation despite their best at-home efforts, their next step should be hiring a professional extermination team. With their help, homeowners can rest easy knowing that their home is always protected from invasive pests. Ultimately, relying on them for help is always a good option.
Homeowners can also have daily monitoring. Eastside Exterimnators’ SMART tech is a 24/7 home monitor that immediately alerts homeowners about pests. With regular appointments and all-day monitoring, homeowners can trust that their homes are fully safeguarded from any pest.
These are just some ways homeowners can protect their property against rodents. Remember, a healthy home is a pest-free home.
4 Signs of Rodent Infestation
One of the most crucial tools against rodent infestation is knowledge. If homeowners don’t know the signs of rodent infestation, then they can’t work to stop it. So, here are four signs to look for when inspecting.
1. Droppings
One of the biggest signs of a rodent infestation is droppings. Typically located in secluded areas or by food sources, these small pellet-like droppings are signs of rodent traffic.
2. Chewing or Gnawing Marks
Whether it’s to get to stored food or to gather nesting material, rodents will leave behind gnawing and chewing marks. These can be found on furniture, storage items, electrical wiring, and structural wood.
3. Nests
Lastly, homeowners should pay close attention to rodent nests. These are a clear sign that rodents have officially made a home within the house, and professional help may be needed for effective removal.
Moreover, homeowners should note damage to insulation, papers, fabrics, and plants. These are nesting materials and can be a sign of nest building.
Ultimately, dealing with rodents can be overwhelming and stressful. However, with at-home prevention strategies and knowledge of infestation signs, homeowners can be better prepared to protect their homes and catch the problem early before it becomes costly.
Safeguard Your Home with Eastside Exterminators
If you’re concerned about your home’s health and safety or are looking for eco-friendly removal services, Eastside Exterminators has your solutions! Our team of technicians is specially trained to provide custom care that’s effective and family-safe. Contact us today to get started on a quote!