Winter is here again! With temperatures dropping quickly, we all want to stay indoors, including rodents. These little pests will start to find their way into houses anyway they can; which means you need to be extra cautious when it comes to protecting your home this winter.

Inspect the Outside of Your Home

Perform a self home inspection by walking around the perimeter of your house, checking for cracks and holes in the foundation. Be sure to have a tightly sealed threshold, as rats can fit through a hole the size of a quarter, and mice can fit through holes the size of a nickel! It doesn’t take much of an opening for rodents to squeeze through, and before you know it, they’ll have made their way into your house!

Seal Windows and Cracks

Rodents are not just let in through the front door, so they WILL try and find another way into your home. Make sure to seal cracks, gaps and holes in windows and around your home to keep out unwanted guests. Fill any cracks around windows with caulking, and fill holes and gaps in the walls with a ¼ inch copper wire mesh or Brillo pads. These items are too thick for mice to chew through and will keep them from getting into your home.

Screen Vents and Openings to Chimneys

When not in use, make sure to close all vents and the chimney flue. You can also block these with ¼ inch copper wire mesh or Brillo pads. Also, cover outdoor vents with mesh wire to keep rodents out.

Store Trash and Recycling Bins in Closed Areas

Keep mice away from your home by eliminating places for them to live. Mice are attracted to trash receptacles because they are warm and usually full of food remnants. Make sure these barrels are stored where mice can not get to them, such as in the garage or a shed. If you don’t have a garage or a shed, you can also invest in an outdoor trash shed available at local hardware stores.

Seal Food Containers and Keep a Crumb Free Home

Be sure to put away all food after eating and wash dishes right away, including pet bowls. Make sure to store all food in closed containers and don’t leave any food out, such as fruit bowls on the kitchen table. Also be sure to properly wipe down counter-tops and mop and vacuum floors more frequently than usual.

For more information about preventing mice infestations this winter, or to treat a rodent problem, call Pied Piper Pest Control today! (504) 366-1333