Oh No, There’s a Rodent Season? Here’s How to Handle It
Winter brings with it the holiday season, a beautiful blanket of snow, and cozy nights by the fire. However, it also brings something unwanted—rodent season. Learn below how to get through it and more about it in general.
What Is Rodent Season?
Rodent season occurs in the winter when rodents are seeking warmth indoors. These pests are also looking for food and water within the safe confines of your home. HomeTeam reports that 60 percent of US homeowners surveyed said they'd experienced a mice issue at some point while up to 30 percent experienced a repeated problem.
This season officially begins when the weather starts to cool. In most areas of the country, that's between late August and October. Each mouse can have up to 60 babies each year, while rats can breed up to 24. That means your area may have a large influx of vermin trying to make their way into your home during this cold weather.
There are several dangers associated with rodent season. These creatures can carry with them harmful diseases, and they can do quite a bit of damage to your home. They may chew wires, leave waste, chew holes in walls, or even leave oil marks on surfaces that they travel. In short, a rodent infestation is something you want to avoid at all costs.
Tips for Surviving Rodent Season
Now that you understand what rodent season is, you can do your best to prepare for it and work to prevent these critters from entering your home.
Store Food Securely
One of the main reasons rodents want to make their way indoors is to find a food source. Don't let the food in your pantry attract them! Upgrade your food storage and put things in airtight containers. That way, they won't even realize the food is there, let alone try to get at it.
Cut Down on Clutter
Rodents love clutter because it gives them a spot to hide from humans and predators. It also provides them with a place to nest. Cutting down on clutter gives rodents fewer places to hide, and it also makes it easier for you to identify the signs of an infestation if it were to occur.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Prevention is the best method when it comes to rodents because they can be hard to eradicate if they make their way into your home. A great way to prevent the issue is to seal cracks, holes, or crevices around the exterior of your home. Mice can enter a hole as small as a dime, so make sure to seal anything you find to deny their unwanted entry.
Clean Up Your Outdoor Area
Cleaning up your outdoor area can help keep rodents out of your home. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house because rodents like to reside there, and you don't want them that close to your home's entryway. Also, remove weeds, debris, and keep shrubbery and tree branches trimmed for the same reason.
Put Screens Over Vents
Any system in your home that requires ventilation means that it provides an entryway from outside to inside your house. Mice and rats can use these vents to gain access to your home, especially because they will be attracted to any warm air output from the vent. Use screens to cover these so that air can still flow freely through the vent.
The screen works effectively to keep mice and rats from gaining entry. However, check the screens regularly as rodents are notorious chewers, and you'll want to make sure they haven't chewed through the screen.
Look Out for Signs of an Infestation
Always be alert for signs of an infestation. Look for fecal droppings, gnaw marks, paw prints, chewed wires, or small holes and crevices in your walls. Also, listen for scurrying in the walls or ceilings of your home. If you notice any of these things, set traps and call an exterminator to nip the issue in the bud.
Rodents are definitely not something you want to deal with, particularly inside your home. Follow these tips to keep them at bay over rodent season and to keep your home and family safe.
