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September 26, 2023
As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves start to change, there's another seasonal event that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a problem: the arrival of mice seeking shelter from the cold. While these little critters might be cute in children’s books, on T.V., and at popular amusement parks, they're less adorable when they invade your home. But don't worry; we're here to help you keep mice out of your house this fall with a few relatively simple rodent prevention tips.
Five rodent prevention tips
Seal off entry points
The first line of defense against mice is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Mice can squeeze through tiny openings, so carefully inspect the exterior of your house for any cracks, gaps, or holes. Pay special attention to areas around pipes, vents, and utility lines. Seal these entry points with weather-resistant materials like caulk and steel wool.
Store food properly
Mice like to forage and may be attracted to your home by the food smells emitting from it. To discourage them from entering your home, store food in airtight containers made of glass, plastic, or metal. Don't forget to keep pet food and bird seed in sealed containers as well. You should also avoid leaving food out overnight.
Keep a clean home
Maintaining good sanitation practices is essential in preventing mice infestations. Regularly sweep, mop, and vacuum your home to remove crumbs and food residue. Empty trash cans frequently and keep them tightly sealed. Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight and regularly disinfect counters and other surfaces where food is prepared.
Declutter your home
Inside your home, maintain a clutter-free environment. Clutter provides hiding places for mice, making it harder to spot them or reach their nesting areas. Regularly clean and organize storage closets as well as the basement, attic, and garage. If you have a shed or other outbuilding, it would be a good idea to haul away unused items and organize those areas as well.
Maintain a tidy yard
Your yard can play a significant role in attracting or keeping mice away. Keep shrubs, bushes, and tree limbs trimmed away from your home's exterior, as these can provide hiding spots for rodents or be used as a bridge to gain access higher up. Remove clutter from your yard, such as piles of firewood, old equipment, or debris that mice might use for shelter.
When to contact professionals for rodent control
If, despite your efforts, you develop a mouse (or rat) problem this fall, it would be wise to contact a local pest control company for professional pest control services right away. While you might be tempted to set mouse traps and try out other DIY methods, most homeowners end up throwing in the towel because they cannot stop rodent activity on their own. That’s because they’re trying to put a band-aid on the problem. The only way to truly eliminate rodents is to get to the root cause of the infestation.
Contact Pine State Pest Solutions to get rid of rodents
At Pine State Pest Solutions, we offer effective rodent control services in Auburn, Portland, and Augusta as well as throughout our multi-county service area that starts with a thorough inspection and, depending on our findings, would likely include:
- An initial rodent clean-out to remove mice and/or rats already active inside the house
- Minor exclusion work that consists of sealing up obvious entry points
- Installation of rodent bait boxes on the outside of the house and in the garage, attic, and basement, if applicable
- Follow-up services if the rodent problem is severe
While there, your pest control specialist will also point out environmental factors that could be contributing to your rodent problem and offer suggestions on how to make your property less appealing to these nuisance and destructive pests.
In addition to our stand-alone rodent control, Pine State also offers home pest control services that not only target house-infesting insects, but also rodents. Compare our plans below or simply give us a shout to discuss the best solution for your rodent problem!
*initial start-up fees may apply.
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