Rodent control is a major issue for many homeowners. Rats and mice have the ability to transfer diseases, contaminate food and cause structural damage. They are also accomplished chewers, known for gnawing their way through barriers with their powerful front teeth. In fact, the word rodent originates from the French word, rodere, which means “to gnaw.”

Rats and mice cause millions in damage each year. The best way to prevent this damage is to prevent rodents from entering your home in the first place. Rodent-proofing your home is the first part of a multi-step approach. Follow these top three methods for rodent control:

Block entranceways

For effective control of rodents, it is important to ensure that rats and mice have no way of entering your home. Do a thorough inspection of your house, checking for cracks, crevices and other openings.

Large areas around pipes should be covered in mesh first, and then sealed with cement. Metal panels at the bottom of wooden doors or windows can help prevent rodents from chewing through. You should also cover ventilated areas with mesh.

Prevent exterior access

Trees, weeds and overgrown vegetation can provide access to your home and serve as a food source for rats and mice. For effective rodent control, keep trees trimmed, ensuring that no branches are touching the outside of your home. Eliminate weeds and cut back grass and vegetation, keeping it at low levels.

Remove inside attractors

Sanitation is critical to rodent control. Mice require less food and do not require water daily. Do not leave food out on the counter or in open storage. Put all food in airtight containers and keep it stored in cabinets and pantries, or in the refrigerator. Throw garbage out nightly, clean crumbs off of countertops and vacuum floors if necessary.

Preventing access to harborage and food is only the first step to keeping rodents out of your home. The most effective method requires a multi-step pest approach. A number of traps and baits are also available. However, these methods can be dangerous and need to be used correctly to be effective. Therefore, they should not be employed without the help of a pest control professional. Ensuring that your home is not a welcoming place for rats or mice will help make any other form of control more effective. But using a single method alone is not enough.

To establish the most effective rodent control plan in your house, contact Terminix®. An experienced technician can inspect your home and discuss effective methods for eliminating and preventing rodents.