How to Get Rid of Mice and Rats

There are few pests as universal or as disgusting to deal with than mice and rats. They occupy literally every area of the country, and they invade hundreds of homes throughout the United States every year. Plus, they can spread disease, create messes, and cause property damage.

Thankfully, understanding rodent behaviors can help you make your home less appealing to these pests.  

How Did Rodents Get In My House?

Because of the way their bodies are shaped, mice and rats have a unique body structure that allows them to crawl through tiny spaces. Rats can fit into spaces about the diameter of a quarter, and mice can squeeze through a gap the size of a nickel or even a dime. They can also come in through doors, windows, or other openings.

• Mice and rats usually invade homes during colder months
• Mice and rats are looking for food, shelter, and water  
• Mice and rats wiggle into homes through tiny spaces and openings

Eliminate Rodent Entry Points

Use hardware materials such as silicone-based caulking, steel wool, weather stripping under exterior doors, and steel mesh or fencing with at least 1/4 inch gauge or smaller to eliminate rodent entry points. 

Search for and block off common rodent entry points:

• Gaps around utility pipes
• Cracks in the foundation (May require a contractor to fix)
• Gaps or cracks under doors and ground-level windows
• Gaps around A/C pipes
• Rips, tears, or gaps in siding

Make Your House Less Appealing

Once mice and rats come inside, they search for food and water. If you make your food and water less available to them, they are unlikely to try to come inside at all. 

• Seal all food in airtight containers, including pet food and birdseed
• Check the pantry, kitchen, cupboards, drawers, basement, attic, and other storage areas for crumbs and food
• Clean the house frequently in order to eliminate crumbs and other edible scraps
• Check for water leakages in all the sinks, toilets, tubs, and utility cabinets. Fix any leaks you find
• Establish a cleaning schedule that invades possible hiding places. This will discourage mice and rats from hiding in your home
• Never leave dirty dishes in the sink 
• Empty the garbage frequently

Why Should I Call Fox Pest Control?

These tips will help you prevent mice and rats from coming into your home, but they won’t stop an active infestation. Rodents breed throughout the year allowing their numbers to grow exponentially. This can make it difficult to control a rodent infestation with DIY solutions. 

Fox Pest Control is here to help with rat or mouse infestations. Call today for a free quote. Pest Pros have the experience needed to get rid of rodents quickly and efficiently. They will look for possible entry points around your home and provide a custom solution to your rodent problem.

You can expect your Pest Pro to deliver excellent service to help you feel safe and comfortable in your home again!

Fox Pest Control

No Bugs. Simply Better.