How to Protect Your Home from Rats and Mice During the Cold Months
As the temperatures continue to drop on Long Island, rats and mice look for a warm place to call home—and your house is the perfect target. These unwelcome guests can cause significant damage and spread diseases, making rodent prevention a top priority during the winter months.
Here’s how to keep your home rodent-free and ensure your family stays safe and comfortable this season.
Why Rodents Invade Long Island Homes in Winter
Rats and mice seek warmth, food, and shelter during the colder months. Basements, attics, and kitchen cabinets provide ideal hiding spots. Without effective mouse-proof measures, these small invaders can easily find their way inside through tiny gaps and cracks.
How to Mouse-Proof Your Home
Stopping rodents before they enter is the best form of rodent prevention.
Here are some simple steps to mouse proof your home:
- Seal Entry Points: Use caulk, steel wool, or expandable foam to close gaps around doors, windows, and utility pipes. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime!
- Keep Food Sealed: Store pantry items in airtight containers, clean crumbs off counters, and take the trash out regularly. Accessible food is a major draw for rodents.
- Declutter Storage Areas: Mice love nesting in cluttered basements and attics. Keep these areas organized and free of cardboard boxes, which they can chew through.
- Inspect Your Home’s Exterior: Trim shrubs, remove debris, and stack firewood away from your home to reduce hiding places for rodents near entry points.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Even with precautions, rodents can still find their way inside. Here are some warning signs of a rodent infestation:
- Droppings: Small, dark droppings near food sources, drawers, or along walls.
- Scratching Noises: Sounds in the walls or attic, especially at night.
- Gnaw Marks: Chewed wires, furniture, or baseboards.
- Tracks or Smudges: Grease marks or footprints along frequently traveled paths.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act quickly to prevent further damage.
Why You Need Professional Pest Control for Rodent Prevention
DIY methods can help temporarily, but a professional pest control service ensures rodents are eliminated for good. Knockout Pest Control offers comprehensive rodent prevention and removal services for Long Island homeowners. Our team will identify entry points, remove rodents, and implement long-term solutions to keep them out.
Schedule Your Rodent Control Estimate Today
Don’t let rats and mice make your home theirs this winter. Protect your home, family, and peace of mind with professional pest control from Knockout Pest Control. Our expert technicians are ready to help you create a rodent-free environment.
Contact us today to schedule your residential pest control estimate.