Winter is the prime season where rodents start making their way into your cozy home. The old saying “if you see one mouse, there are more” is true. They’re looking for food, water, and shelter, all of which they can find in your home. While mice in houses are common, if you don’t take care of them swiftly it can turn into a hazard. There are a few steps you want to take to avoid getting rodents in your home from mouse-proofing to finding their point of entry.
Keep an eye out for signs of rodents in your home
If you don’t spot a mouse in your home but have a feeling they’re there, you may want to check for signs. The easiest evidence to spot is their droppings, which will likely be found in dark corners and small spaces. Check your kitchen first and keep an eye out throughout the home.
Another way to keep an eye out for signs you have rodents in your home is by sound. According to the Spruce, mice are nocturnal and nest in out-of-the-way places. They are most active at night, when most people are sleeping so listen carefully when you’re heading to bed. Finally, rodents love to chew, especially on wood and food packaging. If you notice holes in food bags or chew marks on furniture and shelves, you may have a rodent issue.
Find out where they’re coming in
Mice are so flexible that they can get into holes, cracks, and gaps as small as ¼-inch. This can mean endless possibilities for them to gain access to your home, especially if it’s an older home. Because they tend to come into homes during colder seasons, check spaces near appliances in your kitchen, water heaters and furnaces. Even if you see them in a single spot, they might be coming in from a completely different area of the home.
Set out traps
It may take some time to actually get rid of mice, especially because they burrow in tight spaces. After you have a good idea where they’re coming in, you can seal those spaces with caulk and steel wool and then set out traps. There are a wide variety of mouse traps, so you will want to do your research to select the best type for your situation.
The CDC does not recommend using glue traps or live traps. These types of traps can scare mice and cause them to urinate. Since their urine may contain germs, this may increase your risk of exposure to diseases. Once you catch the rodent, make sure to dispose of it with gloves in a sealed bag. With traps and sealing their points of entry you may be able to get your rodent situation under control.
How does rodent infestation happen?
Life can become overwhelming and cleaning your home may become a last priority. Compulsive hoarding happens over time and can feel incredibly overwhelming and lead to health hazards like rodent infestation. Rats and mice will most likely be present in a cluttered home. It’s important to note that they spread over 35 diseases that can be transferred to humans directly and indirectly.
If you notice signs of rodent infestation in your home, it may be time to seek some professional assistance. Whether it’s an in-depth cleaning or an extreme sanitation of a single room, professional extreme cleaners can help. The Xtreme Cleaners team of experts are confident in their ability to handle any unsanitary situation. If you or someone you know needs help with unsanitary conditions in the home in Louisiana, call Xtreme Cleaners at (800) 524-9591.