6 Ways to Rodent Proof Your House for Spring
As warmer temperatures spread across the U.S., homeowners are happily preparing to get out and enjoy their lawns, patios, and pool areas. But nothing ruins a nice spring day like spotting or hearing a rat or mouse scurrying around your property or scratching between your walls.
In any residential setting, seeing a rodent is downright icky. But their presence can be even more problematic, because rats and mice can damage your home and landscaping and expose you to serious diseases, including the bubonic plague and Hantavirus.
Luckily, there are several steps you can take to rodent-proof your property. This spring, add the following to your to-do list:
1. Eliminate food sources.
Rodents are omnivorous and crafty, so they will eat just about anything. One of the best ways to make your house unwelcoming to mice and rats is to remove all potential food sources from the exterior of your home. Keep your patio and grill area clean, and ensure all uneaten pet food is immediately picked up. If you have a yard, store your grass seed in metal or heavy plastic containers. If you enjoy feeding birds, use a neat, spill-proof feeder.
2. Safeguard your garbage.
Rodents are also drawn to all types of garbage, which means it’s important to block their access to household waste. Ensure any outdoor trash cans, recycle bins, and compost bins are sealed and free of holes. Check each container throughout the year—rodents can gnaw through plastic and even aluminum—so stay vigilant. Make sure lids fit tightly; if not, secure them with rubber cords.
3. Carefully tend your vegetable garden.
In addition to eliminating things like excess pet food and garbage, ensure rodents don’t have a chance to eat your food. As residential vegetable gardens become increasingly common, urban farmers often see an influx of rodents. If you garden, pick vegetables as soon as they’re ripe. Do the same for fruit trees—harvest pears, figs, and other fruit as soon as they’re ready.
4. Block entry points.
Rodents can enter through cracks and gaps around eaves, foundations, and pipes. The spring is a great time to inspect the exterior of your home and look for potential entry points. Fill smaller holes with caulk, and use steel wool or waterproof sealant to block larger openings.
5. Reduce clutter.
Rodents are drawn to cluttered garages, patios, and attics, because they provide safe and comfortable places to nest. Reducing boxes, gadgets, and other stored items will discourage pests from moving in.
6. Protect your pool.
Rodents often view in-ground pools as convenient water sources. Unfortunately, they can fall in and drown, creating health risks. Discourage exploration by eliminating food, drinks, and trash from poolside furniture and patio areas. Consider a pool cover when the pool isn’t in use—especially at night, when rodents are most active. Your pool heater can also be an attractive nesting spot; regularly check its casing for gaps or cracks and seal as needed.
Live Pest-Free
By taking these simple steps, you can make your home much less inviting to rodents this spring. Still, even good prevention may not completely rodent-proof a home. When you spot a rodent, act quickly. A growing number of homeowners are using quick-kill rat and mouse traps to keep pests at bay while protecting children and pets from toxins. These weatherproof traps can be used indoors or outdoors without poisons or electricity. They automatically reset after each CO₂-powered shot, and each CO₂ canister can kill up to two dozen rats—helping you eradicate rodents quickly and effectively.