Are you noticing mice in your basement? If so, you may be wondering, "How am I supposed to keep rodents out of my home?" or "How am I supposed to get rid of these rodents?" There are lots of folks wondering these same things. So in this article, we will focus on preventing rodents from getting into your home by giving you a list of practical rodent prevention tips. But first, let's spend a few minutes looking at why it is important to keep mice and other rodents out of your home. See types of rats.
Problems Mice Bring When They Get Into Homes
Mice chew. Like all rodents, mice have the need to wear down a set of ever-growing incisors (teeth) that they have in their mouths. They will chew on everything from food packages to insulation, and stored items to electrical wires within the walls. At best, they may cause food to spoil, at worst they could destroy a treasured keepsake that is stored in your basement, or even cause a house fire by chewing on wiring. No matter what they chew, it isn't a good idea to allow them to stay in your home and multiply.
Mice can spread diseases. The bacteria mice carry on their fur or in their excrement has been known to cause diseases such as tularemia, salmonellosis, rat-bite fever, and leptospirosis.
Mice carry parasites. A few of the parasites mice are known to carry and spread are mites, ticks and fleas. All of which come with their own set of problems. Fleas can infest a home even if you don't have pets. And ticks can carry Lyme disease which can have lifelong health implications.
Why Do Mice Enter Basements?
When the weather outside turns frightful, mice may find your basement delightful. If there are any gaps, cracks, or holes to squeeze through into your basement, mice will take advantage of this. Here are a few tips that may help to keep them out.
- Remove attractants from your yard. Make sure there are no food sources that are attracting mice to come in close to your home.
- Seal trash. Remove pet food. Clean up garden or fruit tree areas.
- Remove water sources. Fix leaky spigots and remove standing water from around your home.
- Remove harborage spots for mice. The less clutter, overgrown areas, and tall grass, the fewer places mice will find to hide in your yard. Keeping your yard neat and clean will deter mice from coming in close.
- Seal up your foundation and outer walls. Inspect your home for entry points and make repairs where appropriate. Pay attention to areas where pipes, wires, or other objects enter the home.
- Remove food and water sources inside. Make sure all food is stored in sealed, sturdy containers, and fix any water leaks your home may have. If food and water are not available, mice will be less likely to stick around.
If you are dealing with different types of rats and mice in your basement, or other pests have invaded your home, the best course of action to get rid of them and keep them out is to partner with a professional pest control company. Here at Adams Exterminating Company, we use the most advanced methods to inspect, monitor, bait, trap, treat and pest-proof homes for rodent infestations. Reach out to Adams today for prompt assistance.