Humans are not the only ones worried about keeping warm this winter. While some animals hibernate or grow thick winter coats for warmth, others look for warmth by entering our homes, where they make some very unwelcome house guests. According to the National Pest Management Association, rodents invade approximately 21 million homes each winter. In fact, 24 percent of homeowner’s report mice and rat infestations during the winter months.
Rodents are not just unpleasant to have around — they can also spread disease and cause structural damage to your home. Mice and rats spread salmonella bacteria and hantavirus, and they can carry other disease-causing pests, such as ticks, fleas, and lice. Rodents can and will chew through wood and electrical wires – in which many have been responsible for house fires. Rodents will make themselves right at home once they move in. A female mouse can have as many as 12 babies every three weeks!
It is much easier to prevent a rodent infestation than to remove these pests once they have entered the property. Here are some tips to keep mice and rodents out of your home:
- Secure your home. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home to help prevent mice and rats from using easy entry ways. Pay special attention to areas where utilities and pipes enter the home. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
- Do not attract rodents to your home. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five feet off the ground. Keep shrubs cut back from the house.
- Make sure your home is not rodent-friendly. Rodents can hide in clutter, so keep areas clear, and store boxes off the floor. Eliminate as much moisture as possible in the basement or under sinks. Repair leaking pipes and clogged drains and be sure to keep food in rodent-proof containers.
If you suspect an infestation, contact us at NW Pest Control. By hiring us, a licensed pest professional will inspect and treat the problem. This will be your best defense and most effective solution to eliminate any rodent infestation.