Rats, squirrels, mice, and more might be looking for a new place to live this fall. It is important to make sure that your house is prepared for the new season, so that your home can be protected from potential rodent raids.
Lawn Preparation
Trimming weeds, cutting grass regularly, and trimming overhanging branches will not only make your home look nicer, but it can help keep pests away. Rodents thrive in the overgrowth. Overhanging branches can give pests easy access to your rooftop, air vents, or chimney. Give pests fewer places to hide by trimming bushes and shrubs.
Invest in Your Trash
One of the best defenses against rodents, raccoons, opossums, and more is investing in better garbage storage. Strong, sturdy, and animal-proof garbage cans can help you reduce animal activity near your home. Animals want to set up camp near where they can get a meal easily and consistently. Cutting off their food source is one of the best ways to accomplish this.
Repair Potential Entry Points
Breaks in the foundation, roof damage, and cracks in the eaves of your home can all spell disaster and potentially high repair costs if they are left to persist. These openings are also how most rodents first gain entry. Cut them off before they have a chance to get in by repairing problem areas soon after they appear.
Pet Food Can Be a Problem
Pet food can be a huge draw for potential pests. Whether your pet is a messy eater or if you leave the plate full for them, rodents can see a bowl of pet food as an easy meal ticket. You should not put a bowl of pet food outside. Store pet food in an airtight container, and put food out in smaller doses so there is less of a chance that a pest might come to the bowl.
Clean and Sanitize your Kitchen
Your kitchen can house lots of food residue and crumbs. Regularly cleaning and sanitizing your kitchen space can help hold back rodents from coming into your home. Every month or so, you should remove everything from the cupboards and clean them out well.