Rodents may look cute in pictures, but they can be surprisingly hazardous. Many of these creatures carry disease-causing bacteria and can chew through your home’s wires and framing, increasing the risk of fires and long-term structural damage. It’s important to practice pest control throughout the year. The following guide outlines ways you can stay ahead of the problem.

Sanitize & Seal

Check your home’s exterior for cracks and caulk around windows and door frames. Also, look around piping and ventilation that can serve as access points; these areas will need to be sealed to keep pests out. Expanding spray foam is usually enough to create a barrier. Finally, trim back vegetation that can provide shelter and a way for rodents to climb up to the windows.

Keeping your home clean can be one of the most effective DIY pest control methods. Eliminate potential food sources by keeping the kitchen and dining areas clean. Seal non-perishable items in air-tight containers and sweep crumbs up after cooking and eating. Rodents are far less attracted to homes where there’s no food for them.

Trap

If you already have rodents roaming around, there are a few options for trapping them. You can use ultrasonic repellants to drive them out. Place these in rooms where you suspect rodents and leave doors open. Rodents will hear the ultrasonic wave and flee your home to get away.

You can also use rodent traps. Place a large amount around suspected areas and bait them with food crumbs. Choose traditional mouse traps, glue traps, or electronic traps based on your preference. Follow the manufacturer’s setup and disposal instructions carefully to avoid contact with the animal.

If these basic at-home tips aren’t enough to get rid of a rodent problem, Free Bee Pest Control LLC. This Dayton, OH, team uses a variety of methods to get mice out of homes before they multiply. They’ll analyze your unique situation and find the best method for removing the rodents and reducing the risk of future infestations. Call (937) 242-6170 to schedule an inspection, and visit their website to learn more about their services. You can connect on Facebook for news and updates.