How to Prevent and Control Rodent Infestation

Rodents, also known as mice and rats commonly infest our homes, workplaces, and businesses. Besides damaging the property and belongings, they also contaminate our food and spread diseases. It is important to keep your home and business free from rodents to safeguard you and your family from diseases. In this article, we will discuss about various tips and tricks to prevent and control rodent infestation.

Before delving into the tips and tricks to prevent and control rodents in the house, let us understand different signs that confirm that rodents are present in the house. Here are some signs of rodents in the house.

• Gnaw Marks
• Rat Droppings
• Chewed Wires and Cables
• Foul Smell
• Rodent Nests
• Scratching or Scampering Sounds, particularly in the Night.
• Foot Prints or Rat Trails
• Damaged Furniture and Other Wooden Items

Tips to Prevent and Control Rodent Infestation

Though it may be challenging to prevent and control rodents, by using the below methods, you can easily stop them from infiltrating your property.

Maintain Cleanliness

Rats are attracted to food sources inside the house. Make sure to clean the spilled food crumbs from surfaces and countertops. Clean the appliances thoroughly after use and do not keep dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Make sweeping and mopping the house your daily routine and do not allow standing water in and around the house as rodents also need water to thrive. Clean and tidy homes are less appealing to rodents.

Store Food in Air Tight Containers

Rodents are mostly found in places where they get readily available food. You will mostly find them in kitchen and dining areas or where food is stored. Store food in air-tight containers and do not keep fruits and vegetables in the open. Store them in a fridge and keep pet food at elevated places in closed containers. Keep rice and flour bags in safe places as rats can easily access them.

Dispose of the Garbage

You will mostly see rats around the garbage bins as they get food over there. Use bins that have tight lids on them. Dispose of the garbage regularly and wash the bins frequently so that no food particles accumulate on them. Keep the area around the garbage bins clean as rats can smell food from far-off places and try to access them.

Maintain Your Yard

Do not plant trees and shrubs near your home. Trim the leaves and branches so that rats do not use them as bridges to enter your home. Mow the garden regularly as this will give less hiding space to rats. Remove dead trees, fallen leaves, and debris from the yard. Keep it clean and well-managed so that rats do not burrow there. This will also help you spot if any rat is present there.

Seal Entry Points

Rats can squeeze into your house from the tiniest of places. Inspect your home thoroughly and look for any cracks, crevices, gaps, and holes in walls, doors, and windows.  Use cement and caulk to seal them. Install screens on doors and windows so that rats do not enter from there. You can also install door sweeps beneath the doors to prevent rats from entering your home. Make sure that all vents and areas around the utility lines are properly sealed.

Fix Plumbing Issues

Moisture in the house can also attract rats. Look for any leaky pipes and dripping faucets in the house. Make sure to repair them quickly. If there are any clogged drains, fix them so that water can flow freely. You can also use a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements. Do not allow water to collect in and around your house, especially during the rainy season.

Declutter Your Home

The more clutter you have, the more rats will find space to hide. Remove piles of newspaper, cardboard boxes, and other unused things from the house. Rats love to hide in dark and damp areas. Dispose of the clutter. You can also donate or sell them. Keep your living areas clean and organized. Pay special attention to the basement and store rooms.

Get a Cat

If you are a pet lover, you can keep a cat in your house. All types of cats are effective in chasing rats. They will not only remove the existing rodents but also prevent them from entering your home in the future. Some cats may bring dead rats inside the home and you will have to deal with it.

Plant Mint

Rodents do not like the smell of peppermint. You can plant some mint in your garden to ward off rats. Mint can also be grown in small pots inside the house. Rats hate the smell of peppermint and they will leave the place where it is planted. Alternatively, you can also use mint essential oils to chase rats. Mix a few drops of essential oils with water and spray I potential entry points of rodents in the house.

Hire Pest Control Professionals

If the above-given methods do not work and you are dealing with a severe rat infestation, hire professional pest control in Gurgaon to get rid of them. They will assess the situation and make necessary measures to prevent and control rodents in the house. Professionals will also implement strategies that will help to prevent future rat infestations.

Wrapping Up

Rats in the house can be a problem. You can apply the tips outlined in this article to get rid of rodents in the house. Remember, preventing rats from entering your home is much easier than dealing with the infestation. Eliminating rats is crucial for the physical and emotional well-being of homes and businesses.

Make sure to seek professional assistance if rodents are troubling you and causing severe damage in your home and workplace.