Top Tips for Rodent Proofing your Home

Rodents cause extensive damage to numerous homes across the country every year, racking up pricy repair costs and placing people at risk of deadly diseases as they go. To help prevent this, we’ve assembled our top tips for rodent-proofing your home.

Rodents are characterised by their upper and lower incisors, which never stop growing. This is where they get their constant need to be continuously gnawing from, which is why they end up causing so much damage.

Common types of rodents include mice, rats, squirrels, guinea pigs, chipmunks, etc. While they vary in size and shape, they all have the same essential needs: food, water, and shelter. These are the reasons why rodents will enter your property, but knowing this gives you the advantage. Let’s explore the best methods for rodent-proofing your home.

Sealing Entry Points

The most effective way to prevent rodents from entering your home is to prevent their access. Due to their small sizes, rodents like mice are able to squeeze through tiny gaps in your structure, and once they’re in they can be extremely tough to get rid of.

We recommend taking a good look around your property for little holes, gaps and cracks – you’ll be surprised how many you find! Don’t underestimate the rodents either; they are great climbers and perfectly capable of entering the property through the roof. In fact, lofts and attics make the perfect environment for them.

Pay particular attention to your gutters, along your roofline, around drains, windows, and doors. No gap is too small, so make a note of all potential entry points on your inspection.

Next on your list is sealing up all these gaps. Unfortunately, it’s not as straightforward as you may first think, as many materials can simply be chewed through by rodents, making it completely ineffective. When sealing these holes, you should avoid using plastic or wood-based materials that can be easily destroyed and instead opt for metal-based solutions.

Most DIY stores and pest control suppliers, like 1env UK, have a wide range of rodent proofing solutions, including mesh, door seals, drain covers, and metal-based sealants that are perfect for the job at hand. Once you’ve sealed up everything you found, don’t forget to regularly check around your property for new cracks and potential entry points that may develop over time!

Remove Food Sources

Rodents are always on the hunt for food, and it’s one of the main reasons they will be drawn to your property. Start outside and remove any bird tables or feeders you have; while they’re great for birds, they act as an open invite to rodents. Check the areas you keep your rubbish and make sure it’s kept clean and tidy and shut away to prevent access.

Next, move inside and check for food sources. Check your cupboards for any crumbs and loose items. Dried goods are a favourite amongst rodents, and unfortunately, they usually come in plastic or cardboard packaging that can easily be chewed through. Try switching to glass containers if this is a problem you’re having.

Crumbs are another big problem for attracting rodents. Because of their size, they don’t require huge portions and crumbs on the floor, or your surfaces are an easy target. Make sure to regularly sweep or hoover around your home, paying particular attention to the kitchen.

Of course, it would be impossible to remove all food sources in a home, but by keeping everything clean and stored away correctly, you can limit its availability and prevent attracting rodents.

Eliminate Water Sources

Just like food, rodents need water to survive. Start outside and check for any containers holding rainwater, then dispose of them if possible. If you have a birdbath, we recommend getting rid of it or moving it further from your property. Small ponds are also highly attractive to rodents, so it may be worth filling them in to decrease your risk of rodent infestations. Also, check your hosepipe! Most outdoor taps and hoses drip, which provides rodents with an easy water source all year round.

Use our recommendations to keep your home rodent-free year-round. If, unfortunately, you do end up with a rodent infestation, then it’s essential to use a pest control professional’s services to keep you and your loved ones safe.