The chilly weather makes it more attractive to stay indoors while you sip your favorite hot beverage, curled up on your couch and bundled up in blankets.
Unfortunately, rodents may have a similar idea during the cooler months.
It is not unusual for rats and mice to invade homes during winter as they attempt to escape the harsh outdoor conditions.
Quite simply, cold weather attracts rodents indoors. This is why it is crucial to take the necessary steps in order to seal your home against these pests.
Left unchecked, rats and mice can do extensive damage to a property in a short span of time. Apart from that, these small mammals are known carriers of several diseases. Worse, just a handful of these pests can massively increase their population due to their fast reproduction.
Before the onset of the cooler months, there are a few things that you can do to protect your home against an invasion of rodents.
For starters, make sure that you identify all possible entry points. Due to their small size and inherent ability to squeeze their way through small openings, getting inside your home is a small feat for these pests.
Look around your home and look for cracks and holes, pipes and loose mortar. Rodents can use these as entry points. Once you have identified these areas, the next thing that you need to do is to seal these.
If you store firewood on your property, make sure that you store these at least 20 feet away from your home, preferably in an elevated structure. Before bringing in firewood, make sure that you carefully inspect each and every one.
Rodents can also use shrubs and tree branches as a bridge into your home. If possible, keep these a good distance away from your home. If this is not possible, at least trim these to create some distance.
Keep your home clean and orderly to minimize the chances of rodents getting in and finding a hiding spot inside your home.
But what if these pests get inside your home?
A rodent infestation is fairly easy to detect. Among the tell-tale signs are droppings and gnaw marks on different household items, especially food items and containers. At night, you may also hear scurrying noises, especially in between walls, up in the attic, and other hard to reach areas.
To learn more about how to control pests in your home or business, be sure to contact your local Modesto pest control company.