For both urban and rural areas throughout Texas, rodents are a common problem. Defending your home from rodents is a nonstop endeavor. Rodents will invade homes all throughout the year and most aggressively during the colder seasons. To keep rodents out of your home, it is essential to practice proper rodent exclusion. A-Tex Pest Management will share the proper steps for rodent exclusion.
Identifying Potential Mice & Rat Access Points
Exclusion is essentially taking all the needed steps to prevent rodents from invading your home. There are many aspects of rodent exclusion, one of the first steps is identifying and closing all potential points of access. Rodents can enter through the attic, dryer vents, chimneys, and gaps in the home. When sealing off all points of access, start with all of the ventilation systems such as the dryer vent, attic vents and the chimney. As air flow is essential, use a metal wire netting or mesh material that you can glue or screw over these home ventilation systems. For gaps that could be from windows, doors or cracks in the foundation, you can cement compound to fill in the gaps and prevent rodents from entering. If windows and doors need new weatherstripping or other repairs, it is essential to maintain them to help keep rodents out.
Eliminate Rodent Shelter, Water & Food
Another major step to rodent exclusion is eliminating all food, water and potential shelter sites. Rodents will find shelter in overgrown plants such as trees, long grass, bushes, and shrubs. To avoid sheltering the rodents, which helps to increase population, maintain the landscaping. Additionally, avoid having piles of yard debris and other clutter on the property and near the home. After eliminating all potential shelter sites, the next step is to eliminate all food and water sources. Rodents require water and will drink from leaky plumbing, puddles, birds baths and other similar sources. Look both outside and inside the home and seek and prevent all potential water sources around your home. Lastly, you will want to avoid feeding the rodents, which can be one of the harder steps. Rodents will eat a number of items as they are omnivores. However, you will want to do your best to remove food sources. For the outside of your property, make sure all trash is sealed away and in proper containers. Rodents will also feed on wild bird feeders and pet food that is often left outside. For inside the home, you will want all of your pantry foods stored in airtight containers, either those made of glass or metal. Avoid leaving out snacks and fruit bowls and always keep the dishes clean. Rodents can also thrive on eating other pests such as insects and spiders. By working to keep your home pest free, you will also contribute to preventing rodents.
Rodent Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
Texas is home to a number of rodents such as mice, rats, voles, and more. To help protect your home from rodents, make sure to practice proper rodent exclusion. For help controlling rodents and other pests, contact A-Tex Pest Management today.
