There’s nothing quite like going to the kitchen for a late night snack, turning on the light, and seeing a dark, small, furry critter scamper across your floor. Rodents can show up just about anywhere in your home, from the attic to the basement, the kitchen to your bedroom. And even though we rarely get very cold weather in Florida, as the cooler season approaches, it’s time to prepare and protect your home from these scurrying invaders.

Here are a few tips to prevent a rodent infestation in your home.

Take Early Preventative Measures

The fight against rodent infestations starts before they even show up at your door. By taking preventative measures early, you’ll save yourself a serious headache down the road when they are actively seeking shelter from the elements. If you wait until the cold weather has arrived, by then it will likely be too late – and if your home has any possible points of entry, you may end up with a small army of mice sooner than you think.

Fill In the Gaps, Inside and Out

Take some time to thoroughly inspect your home, both inside and outside. Mice can enter your home through a hole the size of a dime, so even if you think a hole is probably too small for them to squeeze through, you may want to think again. Pay special attention to spots where utility piping enters the structure of your home, as this is a frequent entry point for rodents. For smaller gaps, you can use a silicone caulk to seal cracks and crevices, while for larger openings you’ll want to use pieces of steel wool.

Look For and Eliminate Nesting Areas

You can prevent accidentally inviting rodents to your home by eliminating potential nesting areas outside. Rodents love to seek shelter amidst piles of leaves and mulch, and of course they seek out areas like dumpsters, garbage bins, and anywhere they can generally hide without much disturbance. Any part of your home’s exterior is fair game for mice and rats. Make sure to regularly clean out the garage, the yard, the shrubbery, and the trash area to keep those pesky pests at bay.

Keep a Clean House

One of the best ways to prevent a rodent infestation from even starting is by making sure your home, and your floors in particular, is cleaned regularly. By removing potential food and water sources, you’re less likely to call unwanted visitors. Also ensuring that all food, both for humans as well as pets, is kept in airtight, sealed containers, and any crumbs left behind are cleaned up pronto. This ensures that there is no reason for rodents to stick around, if they do happen to find their way inside.

If you do happen to find yourself dealing with a rodent infestation, to prevent them from spreading further, call in the experts to help you handle it. Bug Out offers rodent treatment and extermination services to get rid of those nasty creatures for good. Call us today for a free consultation!