Cold weather can cause more than just higher heating bills. Cooler temperatures can also lead to rodent infestations. Rodents can contaminate food and spread potentially harmful diseases to your family such as salmonella and Hantavirus. Plus, rodents can also cause structural damage by chewing on wood, insulation, and electrical wiring.
At United Pest Solutions, we know preventing a rodent infestation is much easier than treating one so we are offering tips to help keep rodents away this winter.
- Trim Back Shrubbery and Trees
Rodents will climb on tree branches and shrubs to access your home, especially roof rats. Make it harder for rodents to reach your home by cutting tree branches that hang over your home and trimming hedges that hug your home.
- Secure Windows and Doors
Rodents can squeeze through openings smaller than their bodies. With this in mind, you’ll want to repair or replace any damaged window screens. As for doors, you can install a door sweep to the bottom of your door and add weather stripping to the door frame. This will prevent rodents from gaining access into your home and improve your energy efficiency.
- Seal Cracks
Seal cracks and holes outside of your home, including areas where pipes and utility lines enter, using caulk, steel wool, or a combination of both. Homeowners with chimneys should also consider a chimney cap.
- Store Food Properly
Rodents are looking for more than just a warm place to stay–they also need food. Store food, including pet food in airtight plastic storage containers with lids. This will keep curious rodents out as well as keep food fresh. Also, wipe countertops and pantry shelves to remove food residue and sweep up crumbs.
- Declutter
Eliminate clutter wherever possible to reduce nesting places for rodents. These pests will gnaw on cardboard, newspapers, insulation, and books to create nests so store your belongings in plastic containers with lids.
Need Rodent Control?
We know how troublesome rodents can be, so make sure your Bellevue WA area home is protected against rodents by contacting United Pest Solutions. We specialize in rodent control and exclusion so we’ll treat your rodent problem and help prevent it from recurring.