As the temperatures cool off in the fall, rodents start to find their way into homes seeking warmth and shelter. Houses have everything rodents need to thrive: food, water, shelter—and for some, nesting materials! Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid a rodent infestation. Here’s what you need to look out for and how to prepare your home:
Common Rodents in South Florida
The first step to protecting your home from rodents is knowing what you’re up against. If you hear large rodents in the attic, you’re likely dealing with roof rats, one of the most common South Florida rodents. Smaller rodents in the attic might be house mice, small mice that get in through tiny cracks in order to nest indoors. If you find rats in the garage or near the ground, it’s probably Norway rats, a common brown rat that likes to burrow.
Outdoor Rodent Prevention
Mice and rats find their way into your home from outside, so you’ll naturally want to start with the exterior when it comes to prevention. Keep up with landscaping so rodents don’t have jumping off points or outdoor hiding spots. Remove clutter, like woodpiles and debris, that can attract rodents and other pests. Make sure your outdoor trash is securely closed at all times, as that can attract hungry mice and rats.
Then, focus on sealing. Mice can get into your home through gaps the size of a quarter, so it never hurts to ensure that foundation gaps, exterior doors, windows and soffits are well-sealed. If they’re not, and it’s not in the budget to make repairs, consider using materials like steel wool, caulk and weatherstripping where applicable.
Home Interior Protection
A great way to deter mice and rats is to make the interior of your home unappealing to them. This generally starts in the kitchen and pantry. Keep food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs and spills as soon as they happen, and don’t skip cleaning under appliances.
Wherever you’re storing items, make sure they’re organized and free of clutter. Where possible, store items on shelves in plastic boxes and totes. This will make the boxes harder for rodents and other pests to get into. You’ll also want to inspect the attic, checking insulation, vents and rafters for signs of rodent activity and gaps that can allow rodents to get inside.
Signs of an Active Infestation
Rodent infestations can be difficult to pinpoint, but there are often telltale signs. If you see or hear any of the following, you should have your home inspected for rodents:
- Small, dark-colored droppings
- Noises like scratching or squeaking in your walls or attic at night
- Gnaw marks on wood, wiring and boxes
- Grease or urine stain runs along baseboards or rafters
- Burrows or runways outside, often indicated by disturbed mulch or soil
When to Call a Professional
If you suspect you have rodents in your house, you should call a professional. It can be risky to try to take care of a rodent problem on your own, as mice and rats can spread disease through their urine and feces. Some signs that it’s time to call now include multiple rodent sightings, evidence of rodents in electrical areas and known infestations in neighboring homes that seem to be spreading.
Command Pest Control does professional rodent control in Pompano Beach. This includes eliminating your rodent problem and helping you keep them out. Our veteran-owned company has decades of experience in removing all kinds of pests, from ants and termites to mice and rats. Call us at 954-943-0008 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.
