Rodents seem harmless but the damage caused by them is huge. Rodent control is essential to maintaining a healthy and safe home or business. Mice and rats can be a real nuisance, chewing wires, contaminating food, and leaving droppings that spread diseases.
With the team understanding and the experience we prepared this short blog to share several ways to tackle these unwanted guests. Let’s explore some options, considering both exclusion and elimination methods.
Why do Rodents pick Entry Points?
Rodents, motivated by their natural demands for food, shelter, warmth, and water, methodically seek out access ways into buildings. Their continuous search frequently takes them to structures where these necessities are easily accessible. Rodents use even the slightest crevices in foundations, as well as spaces around utility wires and vents, to obtain entrance. As these points are sometimes ignored, they get the easy access to enter.
Sealing Up the Points: Exclusion Techniques
The best way to deal with rodents is to prevent them from entering your space in the first place. Here’s how:
- Seal entry points: Carefully inspect the foundation, walls, and around pipes for holes more significant than a pencil. Use caulk, steel wool, or expanding foam to seal these openings.
- Remember the doors: Check for gaps around doors, especially at the bottom, where rodents can squeeze through. Repair broken weather stripping and install door sweeps if needed.
- Windows and vents: Ensure window screens are secure and free of holes. Install wire mesh over vents leading outdoors to prevent entry.
- Minimize outdoor temptations: Keep firewood and mulch piles away from your home, as these can provide rodent shelter.
Trapping the Troublemakers: Elimination Methods
If rodents have already infiltrated your space, traps can help eliminate them.
- Snap traps: These classic traps are effective for catching smaller rodents. Place them along walls where you’ve seen rodent activity, with the bait facing the wall.
- Glue traps: These traps use a strong adhesive to capture rodents. However, they can be inhumane and may trap non-target animals like pets. Use with caution.
- Live traps: If you prefer a more humane approach, consider using live traps. Once trapped, you can release the rodent outdoors safely, far from your property.
Natural Deterrents: Keeping Rodents at Bay
Certain scents and natural materials can deter rodents from entering your space.
- Peppermint oil: Mice and rats dislike the strong smell of peppermint. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them strategically around entry points. Replace regularly as the scent fades.
- Bay leaves: The aroma of bay leaves can also be a rodent repellent. Place them in drawers, cabinets, and other areas where you suspect rodent activity.
- Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can irritate rodents. While their effectiveness is debatable, they might be worth trying as a non-chemical option.
Conclusion
Choose the methods that best suit your needs and preferences, keeping safety and humane treatment in mind. Remember, addressing the problem promptly is critical to preventing further damage and potential health risks.
