It’s that time of year again! As temperatures in the Las Vegas Valley finally drop, mice and rats start looking for a warm place to nest. Like most homeowners, you don’t want to share your house with these uninvited guests. So let’s look at five ways you can rodent proof your house for the winter.
- Seal Cracks & Holes
- Cut The Clutter
- Keep Your Kitchen & Pantry Clean
- Grow Rodent-Repellent Herbs
- Hire An Exterminator
Mice Love A Warm Winter Home
Before we delve into the details of keeping your home rodent-free, let’s take a moment to address why rats and mice are worse in the winter than in the warmer seasons. There are four main reasons rodents come indoors when cold weather hits: warmth, food, water, and shelter. Your home provides all these things, making it an ideal place for four-legged pests to set up indoor nests when it becomes too cold for them outside. What can you do to keep them out?
1) Seal Up Potential Entry Points
Mice can squeeze through tiny spaces—even holes as small as a dime! Therefore, you should make every effort to seal up cracks or holes inside and outside your house. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home and look for any openings that could be potential entry points for pests. Also, check inside closets and cupboards and around indoor plumbing. Seal cracks and holes up with caulk or steel wool immediately.
2) Eliminate Clutter, Both Indoors And Outdoors
Messier houses provide more hiding places for pests like mice. One way you can make it harder for rodents to nest in your home is by decluttering regularly and removing potential hiding spots like piles of newspapers or boxes full of clutter. Be sure to tidy up both the inside and outside of your home. This includes storage areas like attics and basements, outdoor wood piles, and landscaping features close to the house.
3) Keep Your Kitchen Clean
Mice are attracted to food sources like open bags of flour or cereal or crumbs left on the countertop. Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, and even plastic containers are easy for sharp rodent teeth to chew through (choose glass or metal containers instead). One of the best ways to keep rodents away is by keeping your kitchen and dining areas clean. Be sure to sweep up any crumbs and spills promptly, and don’t leave food on the countertop or pet food on the floor.
4) Try Growing Herbs That Are Known To Repel Rodents
Some plants naturally repel rodents—yet are safe for people and pets! Planting these around your home’s foundation can help keep mice and rats away all year long. Bonus — most of these herbs and flowers smell or taste great.
- Catnip
- Mint
- Garlic
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Marigold
5) Hire An Exterminator For Proven Rodent Control
If you’ve tried the above suggestions but still can’t get rid of those pesky intruders, it might be time to hire a pest control company. A professional can identify pest entry points and get rid of the unwelcome intruders for good—giving you peace of mind for the winter season and all year round.
Need A Las Vegas Mouse Or Rat Exterminator?
If you’ve already noticed signs of an infestation or want additional tips on keeping rodents and other pests out of your Las Vegas or Henderson area home, Flatliners Pest Control can help. We will get your current problem under control and can set you up on a regular maintenance schedule to ensure that your home stays pest-free in winter, spring, summer, and fall. Contact us today for more details or to schedule an appointment.