Keeping Rats and Mice Out of Your Home

With all pest control, prevention is the key. Rodent-proofing your home is the best way to prevent a rodent infestation from developing. A rat or mouse problem in your home or business isn’t just gross — it can even be dangerous! Rodents are known to carry diseases, their droppings can pose serious health hazards, and they can cause costly property damage.

Keep reading to learn how to keep rodents out of your home or business in Knoxville – and how a rodent control expert can help.

How Do Rats and Mice Get Inside My Home?

When it comes to preventing rodents, it’s important to understand how they got inside in the first place. Rodents get indoors through the tiniest of cracks and crevices. Rats are excellent climbers and jumpers; they can jump from overhanging trees to access roof lines and attics. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime and rats only need a gap the size of a quarter.

Common entry points include dryer vents, utility pipes, exterior doors, garage doors, and chimneys. Once inside, the rodents get to work. They chew holes in the insulation. They damage items that are in storage. They chew holes through sheetrock and baseboards. They chew on the wiring inside the walls. They also bring along ticks, fleas, and other bugs that can transfer disease to pets and humans.

Rat and Mouse Proofing Your Knoxville Property

Like any other pests, rats and mice enter your home looking for food and shelter. They like to hide in walls, attics, basements, and other dark, clutter-filled areas.

While you’re waiting for the pros to show up, there are a few steps you can take to rodent-proof your home.

• Seal cracks and holes in your home’s exterior, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the building. Use caulk, expanding foam insulation, or a similar product. The Russell’s Pest Control team also offers home insulation services for pest control.
• Always store food in airtight containers and keep tight lids on garbage cans.
• Avoid extra moisture in your basements, attics, and crawl spaces and always keep them clean.
• Clean up spilled food and water promptly.
• Place screens over vents and chimney openings. Repair damaged screens on doors and windows.

How Do I Get Rid of Live Mice in My House?

Live trapping is an option for rodent infestations, but it’s less efficient than other pest control methods as it doesn’t address the core issues. The best way to deal with an infestation is to prevent it from happening in the first place, so that’s always the best place to start.

Rats and mice can be difficult to completely get rid of without the help of a professional. There are many store-bought DIY options, but a large infestation needs to be handled by an expert. Not only can a rodent exterminator get rid of your infestation, but they can also address the root causes and prevent new ones from happening.

Count on Russell’s Pest Control for Long-Term Rat and Mouse Prevention

Once you’ve done what you can to reduce rodents and seal them out of your home, it’s time to consider what a pest control company can do. At Russell’s Pest Control, we use tamper-resistant traps to control rodent populations around Knoxville homes. If you need help making your home secure of pests, reach out to us. We can help you get the control you’re looking for. Get started by requesting a free in-home pest evaluation.

To learn more about our rodent prevention services, call us today!