Kara DavidsonWhether you live in an urban or rural area, keeping your home and garden rodent-free is essential. They can pose health hazards to your family and pets, as well as cause damage to your property. Sealing up all possible entry points is the most effective way to prevent rodents from invading your home or garden. Then, thoroughly clean all areas with signs of rodent activity.
Seal Up All Entry Points
What is a rodent? Rodents are mammals that live on every continent except Antarctica. They are a diverse group, with around 2,500 species in the order of Rodentia. The rodent family has many different kinds of animals, from guinea pigs to pygmy jerboas. All rodents have four long, open-rooted incisors that never stop growing throughout the animal’s life.
They also have powerful jaw muscles that let them gnaw on food. Most rodents eat plants, seeds, fruit, bark, and grasses. Some eat insects and other small animals. They also eat other animal products, including meat, seeds, and feces. Some rodents hibernate during the winter when there is no food available.
Some rodents are considered pests because they can be aggressive and damage homes or livestock. Sealing up all entry points is one of the most effective ways to keep your home and garden rodent-free. However, it is essential to note that not all entry points are created equal. Rats are more likely to invade buildings as the weather cools down, so inspecting and repairing any openings that may lead them into your home is crucial.
This includes cracks or gaps around doors, windows, foundations, vents, pipes, or utility lines close to a house. Check for any signs of rodent activity, such as scratch marks or bite marks near these openings. Also, look for gaps or holes more significant than a quarter inch in diameter around rafters, roof intersections, soffit vents torn, and gables.
Keep Your Yard Clean
Keeping your yard clean and free from clutter is one of the most effective ways to keep your home and garden rodent-free. Rodents are attracted to open spaces that offer shelter and food. Besides, the less junk you have on your lawn and garden, the less likely rodents will settle there and breed. Rats and mice are attracted to overgrown areas with piles of debris, such as wood, garden clippings, and even old furniture. They will build nests in these areas to protect themselves from predators and stay warm and dry during winter. They also gnaw on wires and doors to get into sheds and outbuildings where they can overwinter.
Place Trash and Recycling Bins on Concrete
Placing trash and recycling bins on concrete is one of the most effective ways to keep your home and garden rodent-free. There is the best option with the added benefit of making your neighborhood greener. It’s essential to choose a receptacle that is designed specifically for your needs.
The best are heavy-duty concrete ones with durable one-piece construction. They’re shaped like trash cans and come in two sizes. They’re available in various colors, shapes, and finishes to match your landscaping scheme. If you’re looking for a receptacle sure to impress, the solid one-piece rectangular concrete trash recycling receptacle is the right choice. It has a fade and impact-resistant polyethylene push door lid easily separates trash, bottles, and recyclables, shielding contents from weather, rodents, and other unwanted creatures.
Keep Your Food Well-Sealed
Keeping your food well-sealed is one of the most effective ways to keep your home and garden rodent-free. This can include storing all dry food and animal feed in metal containers with tight-fitting lids. Also, ensure all garbage is adequately disposed of daily, especially before bedtime. Rodents will take advantage of any trash left, no matter how clean.
Mice are notorious for gnawing through food packaging and making a mess of your kitchen counters, so be sure to transfer all pet and animal food into airtight storage containers instead of leaving it in the original bags. This will also help to keep rodents out of your fridge and pantry. Plus, you can use these containers to track your food’s expiration dates.
Use Traps
Rodents have an insatiable appetite and will often find refuge in your yard or garden if you don’t take steps to keep them away. They’ll search out compost piles, sheds, garbage and recycling bins, and other food and water sources. If you suspect rats or mice are entering your home, you can use traps to safely and quickly eliminate them. However, do not use glue traps or poisons. These are unsafe for pets and children, and cruel as they often fail to kill rodents.
For effective rodent control, seeking the services of an experienced pest control company, such as Aptive Environmental in Florida, or a company of comparable quality in your vicinity is advised. Such professionals possess the necessary expertise to safely eradicate an infestation. Additionally, surrounding your garden with potent herbs is another effective way to keep rodents away. Mint, basil, echinacea, garlic, and thyme all act as a natural deterrent to repel rodents.
