No one wants rodents getting into their home, but infestations often happen because people don’t understand how and why rodents get inside. By learning what rodents are looking for, you can avoid the common mistakes homeowners make that allow rodents into their McKinney homes.
What’s So Bad About a Few Rodents?
While you may not like the idea of rodents running free through your house, knowing the problems they cause will make you even more eager to avoid them. First, rodents can spread a number of illnesses in a number of ways. The excrement they leave can be contaminated and make you and your family members sick. If you end up in direct contact with a rodent, you could get scratched or bitten. They also bring parasites into homes, creatures such as fleas, ticks, and tapeworms that can make you ill.
Rodents don’t only introduce illness into homes, they also can cause a lot of damage. The excrement they leave can lead to other sanitary problems. And they chew on almost anything they can, including walls, insulation, wiring, and pipework. This can lead to property damage as well as electrical and plumbing problems. They’ll also contaminate your food stores as they search for something to eat.
Three Things McKinney Residents Can Do to Avoid Rodents
Clearly these are pests you do not want in your McKinney home. By taking some precautions, you can go a long way in avoiding rodents.
1. Eliminate Food Sources
Rodents often get close to houses and then get inside as they hunt for food. By eliminating food sources, you’ll make your house unappealing to them. It’s important to do this both inside and outside your home. If they don’t have a reason to get close to your house in the first place, they’re less likely to try to get inside.
- Remove outdoor food sources like birdseed or pet food.
- Keep your yard cleaned up to eliminate other food sources you may have overlooked.
- Keep outdoor garbage bins tightly covered.
- Inside, store all food in airtight containers or in the refrigerator. Don’t leave food out on the counter.
- Clean up after each meal, washing dishes and wiping down counters.
- Sweep or vacuum frequently.
- Clean up messes or spills as soon as they occur.
- Remove the garbage regularly.
2. Seal Up Entry Points
If rodents can’t find a way to get inside, your home will be protected. Unfortunately, rodents don’t need a big hole to get in, and even if they find a tiny one, they’re able to chew around it until it’s big enough to squeeze through. Look for the following areas when sealing up your home:
- Check around your foundation for cracks and seal any you find
- Check your siding for holes or damage and make necessary repairs.
- Fill holes you find with steel wool or mesh and caulk around it.
- Repair damaged roof shingles.
- Put steel mesh at the bottom of downspouts and on uncovered vents.
- Check for gaps around doors and windows and fill any you find.
3. Contact the Pros
If you suspect rodents have already gotten into your McKinney home, or if you want help ensuring your house is rodent-proof, contact the pros at Dynasty Pest Control. With knowledgeable service technicians, a commitment to superior customer service, and prompt, reliable service, you can trust us to help you eliminate your rodent problem and prevent it from returning. Our service is guaranteed because we are committed to solving your pest problems no matter what. Contact us today.