Rodent Season is Here: 5 Ways to Make Your Home Ready

With cooler weather, rodent season is here, so these 5 ways to make your home ready need to be on your to-do list right away.

Rodents like mice and rats begin searching for warm shelter as the weather cools down, and they often set their sights on your home. Once inside, these pests can cause significant damage, contaminate food, and pose health risks to you and your family.

But don’t worry — with these proactive steps, you can make sure your home is ready to keep rodents out.

Here are five things you should do around your home right away to keep rodents out as the weather turns cooler:

1. Seal Entry Points

Why It’s Important:
Rodents are incredibly resourceful and can squeeze through even the tiniest gaps. Mice can fit through holes as small as a dime, and rats can squeeze through spaces the size of a quarter. Unsealed cracks, gaps, and holes in your home’s foundation, walls, and around doors and windows are prime entry points.
What You Can Do:
Inspect your home’s exterior for potential entry points, paying close attention to areas around pipes, vents, doors, and windows. Use caulk, steel wool, or metal mesh to seal any openings, especially those around utility lines. Don’t forget to check and repair damaged weather stripping and door sweeps.

2. Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy

Why It’s Important:
Rodents are constantly in search of food and shelter, and a cluttered home with easy access to food can be a major draw. Leaving crumbs on countertops, open containers in pantries, or overflowing trash bins is an open invitation for rodents to invade.
What You Can Do:
Make your home less appealing to rodents by keeping it clean and organized. Store food in airtight containers, wipe down surfaces after meals, and regularly take out the trash. Declutter storage areas like basements, attics, and garages to reduce hiding places.

3. Trim Vegetation Around Your Home

Why It’s Important:
Overgrown shrubs, tree branches, and bushes close to your home provide shelter and easy access for rodents. They can use vegetation as a pathway to reach your roof, attic, or walls, making it easier for them to find their way inside.
What You Can Do:
Trim back any overgrown plants, trees, or bushes that are too close to your home’s exterior. Make sure to keep firewood and other yard debris at least 20 feet away from your home, as rodents like to nest in these piles. This simple step can go a long way in keeping rodents at bay.

4. Eliminate Moisture Sources

Why It’s Important:
Rodents, like all living creatures, need water to survive. Damp areas in your home, such as basements, crawlspaces, or areas with leaky pipes, can attract rodents looking for water and a place to nest.
What You Can Do:
Fix leaky pipes and faucets, and ensure that your home is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup. If you have a crawlspace, consider adding a vapor barrier to keep it dry. Using dehumidifiers in damp areas can also help reduce the moisture that attracts rodents.

5. Set Up Rodent Prevention Tools

Why It’s Important:
Taking preventive measures like setting up traps or baits before rodents find their way inside can stop an infestation before it starts. Early action is key to protecting your home from potential damage and contamination.
What You Can Do:
Place traps or bait stations in areas where rodents are likely to enter, such as attics, basements, and near potential entry points. Be sure to follow safety instructions, especially if you have pets or children in the home. If you’re unsure of where to place traps or how to safely use them, a pest control professional can help.

Why You Should Act Now to Protect Your Home from Rodents

Rodent season typically begins in the fall as the weather cools. And it continues through the winter. Rodents are not just a nuisance — they can cause significant damage to your home’s insulation, wiring, and structure. They also can carry diseases that pose health risks to you and your family. By taking these preventive steps now, you can avoid costly damage and the stress of dealing with a rodent infestation.

Contact Classic Pest Control & Insulation for a Free Estimate

The best way to protect your home from rodents this season is to stay ahead of the problem. At Classic Pest Control & Insulation, we specialize in rodent prevention and removal, offering tailored solutions to keep your home safe and rodent-free. Whether you need an inspection, exclusion services, or help sealing entry points, we’re here to help.

Call us now at (877) 844-2847 or click here to use our convenient online form to get your free estimate.

With Classic Pest Control & Insulation, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected.