In the fall, rodents such as mice and rats are more willing to explore new places to find food and shelter. They leave their burrows looking for food. Rodents chew on almost anything from plants to stored grains and any other kind of food they find in our homes. Luckily, there are several rodent pest control tips to keep these creatures at bay.
Because these pests are so sensitive to changes in weather, you can easily predict peak seasons by observing their behavior. There is no need to panic! With a little preparation and precaution, you can prevent a rodent infestation this season. Keep reading for some useful tips on how you can keep rodents out of your home in the autumn.
What Rodents are a Problem in the Fall?
There are many types of pests that are active during the fall months. Mice and rats are two of the most common. Squirrels may be an issue depending on where you live and what you choose to store. Some species of bats may also be an issue in the fall, especially in warmer areas like here in the south.
If you have rodents in your home, it’s likely that they are mice, not rats. Mice are much more likely to be found indoors and it’s rare to have a rat indoors. Furthermore, mice are smaller rodents that are very common in the fall.
Meanwhile, mice like to burrow and can eat just about anything. They are also prone to chewing on things like electrical wiring and even your food! Rats are generally larger and are more likely to be found outdoors. But they can also be a problem indoors.
How do Rodents Get Indoors?
Mice and rats are natural explorers. They like trying new things, so naturally, they will explore new places to find shelter, especially from inclement weather. They can squeeze through tiny holes and gaps in the walls to get in. If there is debris at the base of your walls or flooring, they can tunnel their way in.
They can chew through almost any material if they need to. Rodents also love to eat and can easily find your food if you don’t store it properly. If you want to keep rodents out of your home, make sure to seal any cracks or holes in the flooring, walls and foundation. Use steel wool, steel mesh or copper mesh to fill the holes.
Also, use steel wool to secure the wooden beams and screws in the basement to prevent rodents from chewing on them. You can also use wire mesh to seal off any holes that rodents can use to get inside.
If you want to keep pests out of your home this autumn season, consider the following advice:
Seal up Cracks and Holes
Rodents are excellent climbers and will climb up your walls to get in if you don’t seal any places where they can climb. They can climb up the sides of your house and then kick a hole between your wall and siding to get inside.
Rodents can also climb up trees and then enter through your roof. The good news is that you can seal off any holes that are big enough for a rodent to fit. Keep in mind that mice can slip through extremely small spaces.
Steel wool is soft enough that rodents can’t chew through it, but it’s also thick enough that they can’t kick it out of the hole or climb through it. You can also use steel mesh or copper mesh as an alternative to prevent rodents from crawling through a hole in the first place. Copper mesh is a bit less effective than steel mesh, but rodents are less likely to chew through copper than steel.
Try natural remedies to keep rodents out of your home.
There are many plants that rodents hate. You can use these plants to keep pests away from your home and garden without using pesticides. There are several herbs that are considered to be beneficial for keeping rats away. Some of these include:
– Basil
– Mint
– Parsley
– Rosemary
– Thyme
There are also a few herbs that are beneficial for keeping mice away: – Peppermint – Sage – Coriander – Lavender – Chamomile – Cilantro – Garlic – Caraway
You can also use copper mesh to keep rodents away from your home. Rodents don’t like the smell or the taste of copper so they will stay away from it. Also, avoid using eggshells in your compost which may attract rodents.
Be Smart About Food Storage
Rodents can smell food from miles away, and they have no qualms about going through extreme measures to get to it! You can keep your food safe by storing it in sealed containers.
Generally, sealed plastic containers are the best way to store your dry food. This not only keeps out mice but other pests such as roaches.
Use Bait and Traps
If you find that rodents are taking up residence inside your walls or in your attic, it’s best to set some traps. You want to make sure that you use the correct bait for the specific species of rodent in your home.
You can buy bait at any hardware store or online. Traps are a great way to kill rodents without using chemicals. But don’t just set the traps in one place and then forget about them. You need to check the traps on a regular basis so you can remove any rodents that are caught. You also need to make sure that the traps are clean and dry. If they get wet, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Contact Professional Pest Control for Help
If all of these measures aren’t working, or if you have an infestation, it might be best to call in a professional pest control company. These professionals have the experience and knowledge to help you get rid of rodents in your home and avoid an infestation.
Most rodent pest control companies offer free estimates and will work with your budget. If you are worried about a rodent infestation, reach out to a professional pest control company as soon as possible. The sooner you catch the rodents, the easier it will be to eliminate them from your home. This is why these rodent pest control tips are so important.
Learn More Rodent Pest Control Tips
Keep these tips in mind when the weather starts to cool and the days begin to get shorter. The easiest way to keep rodents out of your home is to seal up any holes and cracks in your flooring, walls and foundation. As long as you can keep rodents out of your home, you don’t have to worry about them chewing on your wires or making a mess of your food! Contact us today with questions or more tips.
