Wondering how to control rodents in your house?
It’s a common problem—mice and rats love sneaking in through small holes and feasting on food and water sources they can sniff out. The bad news? Rodents can spread diseases and cause real damage to your home. Luckily, effective rodent control is easier than you think.
From sealing up small gaps with steel wool to setting snap traps and using natural repellents like peppermint oil, this guide covers everything you need to know to get rid of those pesky critters.
We’ll also share tips for rodent-proofing your yard and explain when it’s best to bring in a professional. Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
Seal small holes and remove food sources to prevent rodents from entering your home.
Use a combination of traps and natural repellents like peppermint oil to keep mice and rats at bay.
If the infestation persists, contact Defense Pest Control for expert solutions to get rid of rodents and protect your home.
1. Identify Entry Points
Before you can stop a rodent infestation, you need to know where mice and rats are getting in.
Mice and rats can slip through surprisingly small holes. A mouse infestation can start with a gap as tiny as 1/4 inch. Rats, being slightly larger, need just a little more space. Identifying these gaps around your house is key to preventing a rodent problem.
Key areas to inspect
Windows and doors: Small gaps around windows and doors are common entry points for rodents. These spots are especially vulnerable if weather stripping is worn or missing.
Pipes and vents: Plumbing areas are rodent highways. Look for small gaps around pipes under sinks, near washing machines, and around water heaters. Vents, especially in basements or laundry rooms, can also provide easy access.
Attics and crawl spaces: These hidden areas are favorites for rodents looking to nest. Check your attic and crawl spaces for small holes and other openings that might invite rodents inside.
Foundation and roof: Cracks or gaps in the foundation, roof, and walls can serve as perfect entry points. These are often overlooked but are essential areas to inspect thoroughly.
Common hiding places for rodents
Once inside, rodents will seek out cozy hiding spots. Kitchens are a favorite, thanks to spilled food and accessible pet food. Appliances like stoves and fridges often have small gaps behind them where rodents can slip through and hide.
Attics, crawl spaces, and inside walls also provide excellent cover, making it easier for rodents to nest and breed.
2. Seal Up to Keep Rodents Out
Once you’ve pinpointed all those potential entry points, it’s time to close them up. Here are some of the best materials and methods to effectively seal your home against rodent infestations.
Steel wool: Rodents despise steel wool because they can't chew through it. This makes it ideal for plugging up small holes around your house. Focus on areas like pipes, vents, and any small gaps you’ve found.
Caulk and spray foam: For larger gaps or spaces where you’ve used steel wool, caulk or spray foam helps secure everything in place. It creates a solid seal that stops rodents from squeezing through.
Sheet metal: When dealing with larger openings, sheet metal is your best defense. It's perfect for covering bigger gaps around pipes, vents, and crawl spaces and makes it impossible for rodents to chew their way inside.
3. Cut Off Their Food Supply
Rodents are always on the hunt for easy meals, and your home can quickly become their personal pantry if you’re not careful. Here’s how to prevent rodents from turning your kitchen into a buffet.
Store food properly: Rodents are relentless when it comes to getting food, so don’t make it easy. Keep pantry items and pet food in glass containers or metal bins with tight lids. Rodents can chew through plastic but not glass or metal.
Clean up spills right away: Dropped crumbs, pet food scattered around bowls, and dishes left out attract rodents fast. Clean up immediately to avoid turning your kitchen into a rodent hotspot.
Take out the trash regularly: Overflowing garbage cans are an open invitation for rodents. Make sure trash is sealed in thick plastic or metal containers with tight lids and empty them often to avoid unwanted guests.
4. Rodent-Proof Your Yard
The best way to stop a rodent problem before it starts is by making sure your yard isn’t inviting to mice and rats. These critters are constantly on the lookout for shelter, food, and water sources, and if your yard offers any of these, they’ll quickly take advantage.
Here’s how to make your outdoor space less appealing to rodents so they won’t even think about coming near your home.
Clear out clutter: Rodents love to hide in piles of leaves, shredded paper, or any random clutter lying around. To make your yard less cozy for them, clear out debris, brush, and garbage.
If you store items outside, switch to sealed containers instead of cardboard boxes. Fewer hiding spots mean fewer places for mice and rats to nest.
Relocate firewood: If you’ve got firewood stacked up against your house, it’s time to move it. Woodpiles are prime real estate for rodents. Store firewood at least 100 feet from your house and lift it about a foot off the ground to keep it from settling in.
Trim trees and shrubs: Overhanging tree branches and dense shrubs can act like bridges, leading rodents right to your roof or attic. Keep tree branches and bushes trimmed back at least 3 feet from your home’s walls to block their access. Less cover also means fewer spots to hide.
Secure your garden and compost: Gardens and compost bins are a buffet for hungry rodents. If you’ve got fruits or veggies growing, be sure to pick up any fallen produce right away. Compost should be kept in a tightly sealed bin.
Move bird feeders away from the house: Birdseed is just as appealing to rodents. Keep feeders at a distance and use squirrel guards to keep other rodents out.
5. Use Traps and Baits
If you’ve spotted droppings, chewed items, or heard scurrying sounds, it’s time to act. Using the right mouse traps and bait stations can help you quickly get rid of an infestation. Here’s how to use these tools effectively.
Snap traps: These traps are a classic solution for catching mice and rats. Set traps near food sources or where you’ve seen rodent activity, like along walls. Bait with something like peanut butter and position traps close to the wall to increase your chances of success.
Bait stations: This is ideal for homes with kids or pets, as they keep poison securely contained. Rodents enter the bait station, consume the bait, and then leave to die elsewhere. Use them along with mouse traps to handle larger infestations.
Sticky traps: If you’re trying to catch mice in smaller spaces, consider using this. These traps use adhesive to hold rodents in place but are less effective for larger pests like rats. Check them often to dispose of any caught rodents quickly.
To stay ahead of the rodents, change trap locations often. You can also set traps near entry points, such as small holes or cracks around windows and doors.
6. Opt for Natural Solutions
Want to keep mice and rats out of your home without using chemicals? These simple, natural methods are highly effective in creating a rodent-free environment. With a few quick actions, you can make your home less appealing to pests.
Use peppermint oil: Rodents can’t stand its strong scent, so place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil near doors, windows, and any tiny holes. Reapply every few days to maintain its effectiveness.
Spray essential oil in problem areas: Essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree can also help repel mice. Mix a few drops with water and spray around your crawl space, along baseboards, and near food sources to keep rodents away.
Let your cat do the work: Rodents are naturally afraid of cats. Even if your cat isn’t the best mouser, their presence and scent alone can scare off mice and rats. Allow your cat to roam, especially in areas like the kitchen or pantry, to discourage rodents from getting too comfortable.
Place bay leaves in your pantry. Bay leaves are another easy way to protect your pantry. Simply place them in food containers or on shelves. Rodents dislike the smell, which helps protect your dry goods from nibbling intruders.
7. When to Call in the Professionals
Despite your best efforts, sometimes rodent problems require expert help. If your DIY methods aren’t working or the infestation is getting worse, it’s time to bring in a professional. Here’s when to make that call.
Recurring or large infestations: If rodents keep coming back despite sealing holes and setting traps, the problem could be bigger than you realize. A professional can find hidden entry points and nests in places like your attic or crawl space.
Damage to your home: Gnawed wires, chewed floors, and damage to walls are signs that rodents are causing serious harm. Professionals can help prevent further destruction.
Health risks: Rodents carry harmful diseases. If you notice droppings, chewed dishes, or signs near your garbage, it’s best to have the issue professionally handled to protect your family and pets.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Rodent infestations can escalate quickly, especially during the winter months when mice and rats seek warmth and food inside your home. If you’ve noticed droppings, gnawed surfaces, or heard scurrying noises in your walls, it's time to act.
Defense Pest Control specializes in Solon pest control services, addressing the frustration and health risks rodents bring. We’ll help you seal entry points, set the right trap solutions, and implement long-term strategies to keep rodents out of your home for good.
Don't let rats, mice, and their diseases threaten your family and pets. Our experienced team can quickly assess your situation and take action before the infestation worsens. Call Defense Pest Control today to get rid of rodents and protect your home from further damage.
Summary
Don’t let mice and rats make themselves at home. By staying a step ahead—sealing those sneaky small holes, cutting off their food supply, and using smart trap strategies—you can keep rodents from turning your house into their playground.
With a mix of DIY solutions and natural repellents, you can protect your space from unwanted visitors. However, if the problem persists or the rodents have already outsmarted your efforts, it’s time to bring in the pros.
Defense Pest Control can handle the toughest rodent problems, giving you peace of mind with expert solutions that get rid of these pests for good. Take action now to safeguard your home and enjoy a rodent-free space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective rodent control?
The most effective rodent control method involves a combination of sealing entry points, removing food sources, and using traps or bait stations.
By closing off small holes and gaps, setting traps in high-traffic areas, and keeping your home clean and clutter-free, you can get rid of mice and rats efficiently.
What do rodents hate most?
Rodents despise strong scents like peppermint oil, eucalyptus, and ammonia. They also hate being exposed; so well-lit, clutter-free environments make it harder for them to find shelter.
What scent will keep rats away?
Peppermint oil is a strong natural deterrent for rats and mice. They can’t stand the smell, making it an effective way to keep them out of your home. Simply place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil near holes, windows, and entry points to repel them.
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