The last thing any homeowner wants is to see a rodent scampering across the basement floor, or hiding in a kitchen cabinet. The idea of a rodent infestation in a home is very unsettling, but rodents reproduce very quickly, so if you spot one there is a good chance that there are more coming. If you suspect rodents in your home, use the following tips:

1. Cut Off All Food Sources

Rodents are very good at finding food, so it is essential that you remove any sources of food in your home. Dry foods should be stored in containers with tight lids so rodents can't access them. Store fruits and vegetables properly, and avoid leaving them out on counters where rodents can get to them. Always wipe down your counters in your to remove crumbs or other small amounts of food, and avoid leaving food scraps in the sink on dirty dishes. It is also a good idea to put away pet food, and avoid leaving a bowl of pet food on the ground outside of meal times for your dog or cat.

2. Eliminate Water Sources

Like all living animals, rodents need water to survive. Leaking pipes or faucets provide a prime source of water for rodents that may be living in your home. Get leaks repaired promptly in order to make your home less desirable for rodents. 

3. Keep Compost Piles and Firewood Away from the Exterior Walls of Your Home

Compost piles and stacks of firewood make ideal homes for rodents. You can prevent rodents from getting too cozy in your yard and eventually finding a way into your house by keeping firewood off of the ground, and away from the exterior walls from your house. Ideally, compost materials should be stored in a container with a lid, but if that is not possible, keep your compost pile as far away from your house as possible.

4. Seal Access Points Into Your Home

Rodents often get into a home through cracks in the foundation, missing screens on vents to crawl spaces or the attic, and by squeezing through gaps around pipes. You can keep new rodents out by sealing any cracks or openings around pipes and making sure that all vents have screens on them.

5. Contact a Pest Control Company

Most pest control companies are experienced in helping homeowners deal with rodent problems. A pest control specialist will be able to work with you to set traps if necessary, or use the proper rodenticide to remove all rodents from your home.

To learn more, contact a company like Eagle Pest Eliminators. 

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