Anyone who’s ever had mice, rats or other rodents in their home knows the stress of trying to get rid of them. Just when it feels like you’ve solved the problem, that the pesky vermin are still hanging around. It’s enough to put you at wit’s end, but don’t fret. If you’re not sure how to fix your rodent issue, try these tips.
Eliminate Entry Points
Rodents don’t magically appear in your home. They find their way inside through vulnerable areas, like cracks and holes. First, address your rodent infestation by fixing any gaps found around the exterior of your home. You’ll ensure no more rodents will enter if you plug any entry point that’s at least a pencil’s width in size. That sounds extremely small, but rodents like mice can wiggle their way through holes that narrow.
Plug these holes with a combination of steel wool and caulk. Feed the steel wool into the gap, then caulk the gap closed. This will deter future rodents from going anywhere near these former entry points. Avoid using materials that rodents can chew through, including wood, rubber, and plastic.
Strategically Place Traps and Bait
Even though you’re sure no new rodents will make your home their own, your job isn’t quite complete. Chances are good the unwelcome guests have settled into their nests, with no way to get back outside. Draw them out with well-placed baited traps. There are many different varieties of , so research the type that will best address your rodent problem. It doesn’t hurt to use multiple types of traps, because individual rodents might avoid certain kinds.
Aim for the areas where rodents scurry when physically placing the traps. This is usually along the baseboards of walls. Set the trap down perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger facing it. Set other traps anywhere you’ve seen rodents or evidence of them, like droppings. Change the locations of your traps every few days to keep the critters off guard. Remember that rodents can be evasive critters, so set plenty of traps.
Get a Cat
Many types of feline friends love the thrill of the hunt. Consider a cat if you’re thinking about getting a pet and want to take care of your rodent problem at the same time. However, note that not all cats are capable of doing this.