How Can You Avoid a Rodent Infestation?

Clean Up the Kitchen

An open box of cereal, the crackers that your child left out, and the peanut butter you forgot to wipe off the countertop are all scented invitations for your rodent pals. As far as the neighborhood mice are concerned, your open food items are part of a pest buffet. An open cereal box won't bring in rodents from another zip code, but if they're within smelling distance, they'll find the interior of your house suddenly very interesting.

What can you do to stop mice from coming into your kitchen? Keep food well tucked away. Instead of flipping the top part of a cereal box bag over and hoping it stays shut, pour the cereal into a thick plastic container that has a tight lid. Seal the lid after every use, making it impossible for rodents to get in. The same goes for other foods, such as crackers, chips, candy, cookies, bread, baked goods, and anything else that a mouse could get into.

Along with sealing away your food, keep the kitchen area clean. Grease drippings on or near the stove, crumbs on the floor, dirty dishes in the sink, or food smeared on a countertop can all potentially attract pests.

Secure Your Trash

Emptying garbage and recycling bins in and around your house regularly can also help to reduce the risk that rodents will come for a visit - and stay.

But even if you take the trash out on a regular schedule, some of the scents may attract mice to your home. If possible, invest in garbage cans with tightly-closing lids. This will help to keep the scent in and the rodents out.

Keep in mind, garbage bags aren't the only source of trash for some homes. If you have piles of discarded wood (or even old firewood) and other debris outside, you may attract rodents. These won't entice mice through scent, like food does. Instead, the mice may find the old wood, a worn tire, or other outdoor trash a warm place to sleep.

Fill Cracks and Crevices

The slim gap under your baseboards may not seem like a big deal, but it's a perfect entryway for a mouse. Caulk all cracks, holes, crevices, and other spaces that are around floorboards, cabinets, bathroom vanities and closets. Make sure that pipes and vents are also clear and hole-free as well.



Take a walk around your home's exterior. If you find gaps or cracks on the outside of your house, take care of them right away. Window frames and doors can provide easy access for a mouse, even when you think they're closed. If the cracks or holes are under one-quarter of an inch, you can caulk them. If they're larger, you may need more substantial exterior work (done by a professional contractor) to repair the area completely.



Do you have a pest problem? Monterey Bay Pest Control Inc can help.