The Complete Guide to Effective Rodent Control
Best Ways to Rodent-Proof Your Home in Raleigh
Since the dawn of civilization, rodents have been despised as pests that seem to follow us everywhere we go, invading our home and spreading diseases. Rodent infestations continue to be a frequent problem in present-day Raleigh, where mice and rats are an enduring nuisance for local homeowners.
In addition to spreading diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis and salmonellosis, rats and mice will relentlessly gnaw on their surroundings. Rats and mice in walls and attics damage insulation, electrical wiring, woodwork, and more. No one wants to deal with a rodent presence in their home, but how do you keep them out? In this guide, we'll provide some great tips for effective rodent control and exclusion in Raleigh homes.
Key Takeaways of This Blog
The best way to get rid of rodents is to focus on removing their access to food and water by storing food in airtight containers and fixing leaks.
For effective rodent exclusion, seal all potential entry points – mice can easily fit through a dime-sized hole and rats can squeeze through a quarter-sized hole.
For persistent or large-scale rodent infestations, professional rodent control in Raleigh is the most effective solution.
Rodent Prevention Inside Your Raleigh Home
To get rid of rats and mice in your Raleigh home, start by making it more challenging for them to nourish themselves with your food and water. To accomplish this:
Keep all food in your home stored in airtight containers so rats and mice can’t raid your kitchen at night.
Store kitchen garbage in bins with tight lids and regularly dispose of food waste to keep rodents out.
Fix any leaking pipes or drains so that your home doesn’t have sources of standing water for mice and rats to drink from.
Another good way to stop household rodent infestations in Raleigh is to declutter and organize your home. Eliminate rodent attractants and hiding spots through these methods:
Regularly clean and tidy your home to prevent rodent nesting spots, especially in places like the kitchen that mice and rats will be attracted to.
The key to achieving rodent removal from attics, basements, and other remote storage spaces is to organize and declutter these areas.
Rodent Prevention Outside Your Home
Preventing a rodent infestation in Raleigh often starts with removing rodent attractants outside of your home. To prevent rats and mice:
If you have garbage cans outside or in your garage, place a tight-fitting lid on them so that rodents can't go dumpster diving.
Never leave any food – whether it’s picnic scraps, bird seed or pet food – outside overnight, since this will cause rodents to associate your property with free meals.
Regular yard maintenance can also get rid of mice and rats by removing factors that attract them. It's recommended to:
If you keep a pile of firewood, stack it away from the exterior of your home so any rodents that hide in it aren't tempted to venture inside.
To prevent rats and mice in walls and attics, trim back trees and shrubs near the perimeter of your home so rodents can't use them as bridges.
Preventing Rodent Entry
Rodents are usually attracted to homes in Raleigh by the warmth and shelter that they can provide. Rodent infestations may also result from easy access to water and food. The key to reliable pest control for mice and rats is to seal off any possible entry points to your home. Here are some tips for preventing rodent entry:
Any vent openings outside your home, such as bathroom vents and dryer vents, should be covered with a mesh screen to prevent rats and mice in walls.
Consider installing door sweeps on any doors leading to the outside so that rodents can't squeeze in beneath them.
Seal off entry holes in the siding, roof, and foundation of your home to prevent rodent infestations. Use a mix of caulk and mesh to keep persistent mice and rats from gnawing through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rodent Infestations in Raleigh
How do you keep rodents away?
To prevent rats and mice in walls and attics, seal all potential entry points to your home, and secure sources of food and water within so rodents aren't drawn to it.
What is the main cause of a rodent infestation?
Rodent infestations often occur because mice and rats are attracted to the warm shelter a home provides. Easy access to food and water may also attract mice and rats.
What time of year are rodents most active?
While rodents are active throughout the year in Raleigh, household infestations happen most often in fall and winter, when colder weather drives rodents to seek shelter indoors.
What do you do first to avoid rodent infestations?
Start by making your home less appealing to rodents. Effective rodent-proofing involves securing food in airtight containers, fixing leaks, and preventing rodent access to garbage.
What's the best mice repellent?
Certain homemade remedies can deter mice but most of them aren't reliable. A combination of setting mouse traps, sealing entry points, and eliminating attractants is the best way to keep mice out of your home.
When to Call a Trusted Rodent Control Specialist in Raleigh
If rodent problems persist despite your best efforts, it may be time to consider professional pest control for rats and mice. Traps may be effective for minor issues, but for ongoing or large-scale infestations, professional rodent control is the best solution. Licensed exterminators in the Raleigh area can effectively remove an infestation and keep your home rodent-free in the long term using a variety of methods, including exclusion barriers and bait traps.
Have you been searching for "mouse/rat removal near me" to solve your rodent problems? Contact Sustainable Pest Systems today if you want professional pest control for mice and rats in the Raleigh area!