Effective Rodent-Proofing: Sealing Entry Points and Cracks

Hungry rodents are constantly looking for ways inside Pittsburgh properties to search for food and shelter. If not properly addressed, a few nesting rodents can quickly turn into a costly, unsanitary, and widespread infestation. Instead of allowing your rodent problem to get to that point, consider rodent-proofing your Pittsburgh home with the following tips.

Tips for Rodent-Proofing Your Home

Rodent-proofing your home can help prevent an infestation. To keep rodents out, you’ll want to:

1. Look for Gaps or Holes

Gaps or holes inside or outside your home are the perfect entry points for rodents. Identifying these entry points can help keep the rodents out.

Gaps and holes can be found:

• Inside, under and behind kitchen cabinets
• Around windows and doors
• Behind appliances
• Around the pipes under sinks, washing machines, water heaters and furnaces
• Around all electrical, water, gas and sewer lines
• Inside the atticIn the basement or crawl space
• Around floor drainsBetween the floor and wall juncture
• In the roof among the rafters, gables, eaves and soffits
• Between the foundation of the home and ground

2. Seal Any Gaps or Holes

Sealing gaps and holes will stop rodents from entering your home.

To seal the gaps and holes:

• Fill small holes with steel wool and put caulk or spray foam over it to keep it in place.
• Use metal, cement, hardware cloth or metal sheeting on larger holes.
• Seal outbuildings and garages.

3. Seal Food and Water Sources Inside Your Home

Since rodents are attracted to food and water sources, sealing these areas will keep them out.

To prevent rodents from invading food and water sources inside your home:

• Keep food sealed in plastic, metal or glass containers with tight lids.
• Clean up spilled food immediately.
• Wash dishes and cooking utensils after using them.
• Put pet food away after use.
• Don’t leave food and water bowls out overnight.
• Keep garbage in plastic or metal trash cans with tight lids.
• Throw away trash frequently. Clean your trash can with soap and water.

4. Seal Nesting Sites and Food Sources Outside of Your Home

Sealing outside entry points is just as important as sealing inside ones if you want to prevent a rodent infestation.

To prevent rodents from nesting or getting to food sources outside your home:

• Clean up garbage around your house.
• Invest in a plastic or metal trash can with no holes and a tight lid.
• Keep outside cooking areas and grills clean.
• Keep composting bins at least 100 feet from your home.
• Keep bird feeders away from your home.
• Use squirrel guards to limit rodent access to bird feeders.
• Keep grains and animal feed in sealed containers with tight lids.
• Move wood piles at least 100 feet away from your home and raise them at least one foot off the ground.
• Keep your landscaping well maintained.

Contact the Rodent-Proofing Experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh

If DIY rodent-proofing is too much for you to handle, rely on the experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh. Our professional technicians are equipped to remove all unwanted rodents using non-toxic, chemical-free and humane methods. We will fortify your home by installing preventative measures to keep unwanted rodents out for good. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our fast and efficient rodent-proofing services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.