Avoid Rodent Infestation in Your Home
In some ways, rodents are just like people. They want food, warmth and shelter to survive. While some people believe that rodents will only infest clean homes, this is not necessarily the case. As long as the rodent can find food, water and shelter, they will move into your home. This food could be in a bird feeder, pet food or opened food on the counter.
Heavy Foliage and Gardens Are Partially at Fault
When you have heavy foliage around your property, it gives rodents a place to hide. Any type of clutter will also give them shelter. Likewise, fruit trees and abundant gardens provide the rodent with an easy source of food. To counteract these problems, homeowners should trim back their foliage. If ripened fruit has fallen to the ground, it must be cleaned up regularly.
Clean the Kitchen
Rats need very little food to survive. Any food waste, pet food or dry food in the kitchen can end up attracting rodents. To prevent this from happening, thoroughly clean your counters, vacuum the floors and remove any crumbs. Any food that is not in the fridge should be stored in a secure container. Likewise, you should make sure that pet food is not left out during the night.
Past Infestations Are a Problem
Like people, rodents want a home that feels familiar and comfortable to them. If you previously had a rat infestation, the nesting materials and scents that are left behind could attract other rodents. Once you have removed an infestation, you should hire a professional sanitation service to remove the nesting materials, droppings and other remains. Otherwise, you will end up with a second infestation.
Where Do Rodents Like to Live in the Home?
Once a rodent is inside your home, it looks for a warm, safe place to live. Rats generally like to live in basements and attics because the paper, clothes and other stored items are perfect for nesting materials. Rodents can be found inside of crawlspaces, wall insulation, ceilings, cupboards and shower stalls. Because of the warmth, they also like to nest near furnaces and hot water heaters.
Rodents can be extremely difficult to exterminate. To prevent rodents from spreading diseases and infesting your property, you need expert pest control services. If you have an infestation in Ocean County, Monmouth County, Mercer County or the surrounding areas, contact A-Academy Termite and Pest Control for help.