As temperatures begin to drop, more homeowners begin to see signs of rodents within their homes. This is no coincidence. Rats and mice have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, and they choose to inhabit our homes because of the warmth, shelter and food that we inadvertently provide. During the winter, a house can provide rodents with protection against the elements.
In the summer months, rodents may spend more time outside, especially if there are gardens to raid or other plant-based food sources. Once autumn arrives, however, they will withdraw to a warmer area that’s protected from ice and snow. They might move to the shelter of a porch, crawl space, attic or an out-of-the-way corner of your home.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can discourage these unwanted guests from wintering in your home:
Seal off any cracks and crevices that might provide easy access to your home. Bear in mind that a rat can squeeze through an opening the size of a quarter, and mice can fit through holes that are even smaller. As part of your winterizing routine, look for holes that could serve as access points for rodents and seal them off.
Make your home uninviting by restricting access to food and water. Pests are attracted to easy meals. If they can’t find any food, they’ll move on to a territory that will offer what they need. Storing your food in chew-resistant containers and sealing off leaky faucets will go a long way toward discouraging rodents from moving into your home.
Once a rat or mouse is spotted indoors, call for a rodent control service. Rodents are social animals, and there’s rarely ever just one in the house. Dealing with the problem early on will prevent you from facing a real infestation later. Rats and mice can reproduce very quickly, and a pair of rodents can turn into a full-blown infestation over the winter. It’s better to deal with the problem right away than run the risk of having it get out of hand.
While you prepare to weather the Dallas winter, keep an eye out for signs of rodent invaders. If you need help with rodent control, be sure to call the rodent control experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services for a free consultation. We’ll be happy to help you keep your unwanted visitors away. For more information on how to prevent and deal with rodent infestations, visit us online.