Keep Rodents Out During the Winter

Several things can help keep these animals outside. Here’s what you can do.

What to Do Outside

One of the best ways to keep rodents out of your house in the winter months is to prepare your yard. If you make it more difficult for rodents to make nests near your home, you'll lower the chances of them getting inside.

Clean Up

Prepare your yard for the cold weather ahead by cleaning up any debris. Rodents like to hide in brush and leaf piles, so bag up and remove yard waste, especially any that's close to your home.

Remove any dead plants from your garden, and keep inorganic material around your house, such as stones, instead of organic mulch. Store seeds, bulbs, and other gardening supplies in plastic containers with tight lids that rodents won't be able to get into. Similarly, make sure feed for outdoor animals is in tightly sealed containers rather than bags or boxes that mice and rats can easily chew through.

Prune Trees

Rats and squirrels are good climbers and jumpers and can gain access to your roof from any nearby tree branches. Prune any limbs hanging over your roof or nearby to minimize the chance that these pests will make it onto your roof so they can enter your attic.

Seal Entry Points

Do a thorough inspection of the outside of your home for any access points rodents could use to enter your home. Remember that smaller rodents, like mice, can get through holes as small as 1/4 inch. Place wire mesh over any cracks in your foundation.

Pay particularly close attention to areas where pipes or wiring enter your home. Caulk any gaps you find.

What to Do Inside

In order to keep rodents from forcing their way inside, make sure you don't inadvertently advertise your home as a desirable place.

Keep Things Tidy

The best thing you can do indoors to prevent rodents from seeking refuge in your home is to keep things clean. Rodents are attracted to crumbs and messy areas with plenty of places to hide. Keep your garbage covered and clean up any spills promptly. Sweep up crumbs regularly, including under cabinets and behind your appliances.

Store Food Properly

Keep your food packed up. Don't leave food out on counters or on the floor. Place bagged items on high shelves or place the contents in sealed plastic containers. Put your bread in the refrigerator or a bread box.

Store pet food in plastic containers with lids so rodents won't be drawn inside by easy access to food.

Check Doors and Windows

Look around your doors and windows for any gaps or torn screens. Make repairs as necessary and install a brush sweep along the bottom of your front and back doors to help keep the heat in and rodents out.

Seal Holes

Check your cabinets and areas behind appliances for any holes or gaps mice could get in through. If you can't repair a hole immediately, stuff it with steel wool to make it difficult for rodents to chew through and get into your home.

If you do notice rodents or signs of a rodent infestation, such as droppings, gnawed cardboard, or chewing damage in your walls, you'll want to get them out as soon as possible. Traps might catch a few rodents, but you could still have some nesting in your home. Traps also don't address the root cause of the problem and prevent more animals from getting in.

Have a pest control company assess and manage the problem if you find yourself dealing with a rodent infestation. American Pest Professionals provides pest control and prevention services in the East Central Indiana area. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and estimate.