Winter rodent control tips for a pest-free home
No home is immune from the presence of rodents, and winter brings the highest potential for infestation.
Colder temperatures mean that animals are looking for a cozy place to bed down, and from their perspective, a safe, warm house is just the right choice.
Cold Weather, Unwanted Houseguests
Since rats and mice don’t hibernate, they’re looking for a place where they can get everything they need throughout the season. Any cold, hungry pest is going to seek a spot where heat and food can be found. Your home has both of these things along with insulation and other materials that can be used for nesting. Crawl spaces, attics, empty areas inside walls, garages and sheds are all potential rodent hideouts.
Wintertime Rodent Control
Inspecting your home for places where rats and mice can get in is the first step in making sure they don’t turn your home into their winter residence. Mice can get into any hole the size of a pencil eraser; quarter-size holes make doorways for rats. Don’t overlook smaller openings; these can be widened by chewing. Seal up every crack that you find with caulking and stuff holes with a tough material such as steel wool to discourage rodent entry. Trim back bushes around the house and clear up debris piles to remove other potential sources of shelter.
One of the biggest invitations for rodents is improperly stored food or food left out on counters. It’s not hard for mice and rats to chew through boxes, bags and other disposable containers. Unpackaged food is even easier to access, encouraging them to use your kitchen as their personal buffet. Once they’ve had a taste, they’ll keep coming back for more.
If you see collections of small, dark-colored droppings, footprints in dust or damage from gnawing around the house, you’re already dealing with a rodent problem. Setting traps or baits can help to control the pests, but keep in mind that you’ll have to be persistent if you have a large infestation. You may have to repeat your control efforts several times to get rid of every mouse or rat.
ABC Home & Commercial Services can help keep your home rodent-free this winter. After identifying potential entry points, we’ll create a rodent control program specifically for your San Antonio home that denies rodents entry and gets rid of those that have already taken up residence. With ABC, you can rest assured that your home will remain free of pests all winter long.