When winter arrives in Dallas-Fort Worth, rodents such as rats and mice seek warmth and food inside homes. Attics, garages, and crawl spaces offer them shelter, while unsealed food containers and clutter give them all the resources they need to thrive. Without proper rodent-proofing, you could face property damage, contamination, and a growing infestation.
Rodents are sneaky, but you can take simple steps to keep them out. If you’re unsure whether your home is fully protected, Jacksons Mosquito & Pest Control provides thorough inspections and expert rodent exclusion services to stop infestations before they start.
Practical Tips to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home
Easily accessible food is a major attractant for rodents. Store food in airtight, durable containers made of heavy-duty plastic or metal. Don’t forget to:
- Keep pet food in sealed bins and avoid leaving bowls out overnight.
- Regularly clean crumbs and spills, especially in your pantry and kitchen.
- Take out the trash frequently and secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
Eliminate Clutter in Storage Areas
Rodents love clutter because it provides hiding places and nesting materials. Keep your home tidy by:
- Storing items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, which rodents can chew through.
- Keeping attics, basements, and garages free of debris or unused items.
- Regularly cleaning up piles of paper, fabric, or other materials that rodents might use to build nests.
Inspect Your Home for Gaps or Holes
Rodents can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Regularly check for gaps or holes in these areas:
- Foundation and Walls: Look for cracks or gaps and seal them with steel wool or caulk.
- Doors and Windows: Install weatherstripping or door sweeps to close any spaces where rodents might slip through.
- Vents and Utility Lines: Cover these with fine mesh screens to block access without reducing airflow.
Tidy Up Your Yard
The outside of your home is just as important as the inside when it comes to rodent-proofing. Take these steps to discourage rodents from approaching your home:
- Trim tree branches away from the roofline to stop roof rats from climbing into your attic.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house and elevate it off the ground.
- Remove piles of leaves, debris, or other yard waste that rodents could use for shelter.
Check Attics, Garages, and Crawl Spaces
Rodents favor quiet, hidden spaces. Keep these areas unappealing to pests by:
- Fixing or replacing loose access panels.
- Removing soft materials rodents might use for nests, like insulation scraps or fabric.
- Ensuring all vents and openings are properly sealed.
Rodent-Proofing Made Simple with Jacksons Mosquito & Pest Control
If you’re still worried about rodents finding their way inside, Jacksons Mosquito & Pest Control can help. Our professional rodent exclusion services go beyond DIY fixes to ensure your home is fully protected.
Here’s how we do it:
- Inspection: We inspect your property inside and out to locate all potential entry points, from foundation cracks to gaps in the roofline.
- Sealing: Using durable, rodent-proof materials like caulk, steel wool, and fine mesh, we seal every entry point to block rodents from gaining access.
- Removal: If rodents are already inside, we safely remove them to ensure your home is pest-free.
- Prevention: Once your home is secure, we’ll provide tips to help maintain a rodent-free environment year-round.
At Jacksons Mosquito & Pest Control, we understand that protecting your home and family is your top priority. That’s why we offer free estimates for rodent exclusion services, so you can take the first step toward a rodent-free winter without hesitation.
If you suspect your home might have vulnerabilities rodents could exploit, call Jacksons Mosquito & Pest Control today. Let us inspect, seal, and protect your property so you can enjoy a pest-free season with peace of mind.
