When summer’s over and the temperatures drop, rodents start seeking more hospitable nesting places and often try to move indoors. But there are ways to prevent them from choosing you as a roommate. Here you'll find some practical pest control tips to prevent a rodent infestation in your home this fall.

Fall Rodent Prevention Tips

1. Tidy Up

Rats and mice are drawn to clutter. It gives them plenty of places to hide and the materials they need to build their nests. If you have a junk room, garage, or attic filled with clutter, piles of clothing or fabrics, or cardboard boxes that are poorly stacked and spilling over onto the floor, rodents will be naturally attracted to this area. Remove this clutter to lessen the chances of an infestation.

2. Seal Up Food

Never leave food in your kitchen—even in your pet's food or water bowls—and don't keep open containers in your pantry. It’s best to take an extra step: Remove food from vulnerable plastic bags or cardboard boxes and reseal it in airtight plastic containers. Thoroughly clean up any spills or crumbs left while preparing meals. Finally, remove garbage bags regularly and store them outside in a sealable plastic or metal bin.

3. Remove Water Sources

Damp, moist areas draw rodents in search of a water source. Fix any leaky pipes and mop up water puddles quickly. Take care of clogged drains and clean out your gutters regularly to prevent leaf blockages. The more carefully you remove potential water sources, the less likely it is you'll attract rodents.

4. Seal Points of Entry

After you remove attractants, you'll have fewer pest control problems. However, you should also seal up all potential entry points. Inspect the exterior of your house and caulk any cracks in the foundation. Examine areas where pipes, vents, and electrical conduits enter the house. If you see gaps, add caulk or fill them with steel wool to deny pests access.

The pest control tips above should help you prevent any serious rodent infestations. However, if you decide you need professional rodent removal services, contact Aardwolf Termite & Pest Control Inc., an experienced exterminator in Bessemer, AL. They serve customers throughout Jefferson County and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. They also offer mold remediation and foundation repair. Visit their website to message them online or call (205) 338-6615 to request a free estimate.