Ways to Keep Rodents Away from Your House During Winter
What Makes Mice or Rats Go Into Your Home?
Bird feeders and other food items that leave residue, such as birdseed or peanut butter, can attract rats! Similarly, fruits that fall from trees may appear appealing to these vermin-loving pests.
Mice and rats can enter your home through any hole the size of a quarter. They also things such as grains, pet food, garbage, natural fiber furniture, peeling wallpaper, and electrical wires. As a result, keep your home clean to keep these animals out.
Some Ways to Prevent Rodents From Entering Your NYC Home
- Clear the Clutter: Mice and rats thrive in areas with clutter because it provides plenty of convenient hiding places - especially in areas of the home that aren't used as primary living space, such as basements, attics, and garages. A quick clean-up can make these areas less appealing. Begin by removing stacks of old newspapers and other junk. Pick up any piles of laundry on the floor. Boxes grouped together can also be appealing, so make sure your stored items are well-organized and elevated off the ground
- Be careful with your food: Keep your countertops and other surfaces free of food and residue to avoid providing a feast for hungry rodents. Keep an eye out for crumbs under counters, in the refrigerator, and on other appliances. Additionally, keep all of your food in sealed containers to prevent easy access. Dog and cat food, a favorite of mice and rats, is an often-overlooked attractant. Remember to keep pet food sealed, just as you would your own
- Brush Strip is a Good Idea: Adding a sweep or brush strip to your exterior doors is another great way to keep rodents out. Mice will have fewer ways to get inside if small gaps at the base are blocked off, which is especially common with older doors. Choose one with an adhesive strip rather than screws for easier installation. As an added bonus, by keeping the heat inside, you will save money this winter!
- Maintain Landscape: Perform necessary yard maintenance before the weather turns too cold. Trim any branches that are close to your house because they could allow rats easy access to your roof or attic. Clean up any overgrown vegetation and remove weeds and leaf piles to give lurking rodents fewer places to hide
- Elevate your firewood: Do you burn wood in the winter to keep your homestead toasty warm? If you do, you probably keep a stockpile of lumber at the ready. Unfortunately, firewood is a favorite hideout for mice and rats. To remove rodent-friendly conditions, elevate your logs at least 18 inches off the ground. Also, be sure to store it away from your house.
- Make sure to block all entry points: To effectively keep rodents out of your home, seal off any openings that allow them to enter. Mice and rats are experts at squeezing through tiny gaps. A good rule of thumb is to close any opening larger than 14 inches. Examine the window screens for tears and repair them if necessary. Use wire mesh to seal any cracks in the walls or foundation. Examine the areas where pipes enter your home; if gaps exist, fill them with mesh and caulk. Finally, if you have a chimney, put a cap on it; rodents are great climbers!
Why do rodent issues increase during winter?
They have less food to keep them busy during the winter. Take out the garbage on a regular basis to keep your home clean. Avoid spills or drips that may attract the attention of a rodent! During the winter, you can deter rodents from entering your home. Finding a way inside your home means they'll tear it apart in search of food! Mice are not fussy creatures. Expect many tiny holes in clothing and materials behind furniture if your home is infested with any small creature. In one of the most well-known winter rodent activities, mice bore holes right through the material in search of food. Mice will keep away from you so keep your distance. When they do not, use noisemakers like horns or whistles! They will run off to the next house over leaving yours alone for good. Trash bags up and away is crucial during cold weather months. Keep them in tight plastic bins that you can securely tie shut! This is after wrapping food supplies within them. Avoid piles of leaves anywhere near your home as well as long grasses growing against walls. All of these are favorite spots for wintertime nesting grounds outside. Mice keep warm by huddling together under them like a blanket.
For Cold Weather Pest-Proofing, contact Jet Pest Control.
With professional assistance, the National Pest Management Association prevents rodent problems from wreaking havoc on your home during the winter. Learn how to keep rodents out of your home during the winter. That includes more than just traps and poisons. Allow rodents to leave your NYC home during the winter.
When you let rats and mice out of your house, they stay away from you. Call Jet Pest Control at
(718) 710-0330 today to keep rodents away from your home this winter!
Rats are vexing little creatures! But you don't have to let them run wild. Learn what attracts them and how to keep pests at bay with professional pest control services. These creatures can be detected in your home by a trained technician. He can also recommend preventive measures.
