Rodents are always searching for a warm, safe place to live, especially when the weather turns cold in Huntsville, Missouri. They can settle in your home if they can find food, water, and shelter in it. But, most rodent problems do not happen out of nowhere. Many times, homeowners accidentally create the perfect environment for these unwanted guests without even realizing it. That is why they should always have a company to turn to whenever they need pest control in Huntsville. Below are four common mistakes that can attract rodents to your home and how to avoid them.
Leaving Food Out in the Open
Rodents have a strong sense of smell and are quick to find food. You can attract mice or rats by leaving food where they can get to it. This includes pet food, snack bags, and fruit on the counter. Also, dirty dishes in the sink can draw rodents into your living space.
Rodents do not need a lot to survive. A small piece of bread or a handful of crumbs under the table can be enough to feed them for a day. They will return and bring their friends once they know food is available.
This makes it essential to store pantry items in airtight containers and wipe down counters and sweep floors daily. Also, you should not leave pet food or water out overnight. Rinse dishes or load them into the dishwasher after meals.
Ignoring Small Entry Points
Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, and rats can get through even smaller gaps if they can chew a little first. Cracks in the foundation, loose vents, or tiny openings around pipes give rodents easy access to your home. In towns like Huntsville, many homes are older and may have settling cracks or small spaces around windows and doors. These become open invitations for curious rodents looking for shelter from the elements.
Preventing rodents from entering involves inspecting the outside of your home regularly, especially near the foundation and roofline. Also, it includes sealing up cracks with steel wool and caulk or using metal mesh for larger holes. Replace worn-out weather stripping around doors and windows. Also, make sure dryer vents and attic vents are covered with rodent-proof screens.
Storing Firewood Too Close to the House
Firewood is a must for many Huntsville homes in the colder months. It keeps the house warm and cozy. However, it can also bring rodents close to your door if you are not careful. Piles of firewood create dark, sheltered spaces where mice and rats love to hide. It is only a few steps for rodents to find a way inside if piles are right next to your home. Their presence so close to your house can attract snakes and other pests looking for a meal even if the rodents never leave the pile. So, store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and keep the stack raised off the ground using a firewood rack or cinder blocks. Also, you must rotate older wood so it doesn’t become a permanent nesting spot and check the pile for signs of rodents before bringing wood indoors. Simple spacing and regular checks can keep your firewood from becoming a rodent hotel.
-
Letting Clutter Build Up
Rodents can build their nests in the attic, garage, and basement where plenty of clutter is available. Cardboard boxes, old clothes, and newspaper piles are especially attractive. These pests may decide to set up shop once they can find more hidden spots. In addition, overgrown bushes, leaf piles, and unused junk in the yard can provide shelter. Rodents feel safer in messy environments because they can move around without being seen.
You can address this issue by storing items in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids instead of cardboard and keeping storage areas tidy and off the floor when possible. Also, you must declutter your garage and attic at least once a year, trim bushes and trees away from the house, and clear out leaves and yard debris.