Tips on Keeping Rodents Out of Your Home This Winter

As the temperature starts to drop in the UK, rodents are looking for a warm place to stay. Here are some tips from Sykes Pest Control on how to keep them out of your home this winter.

The Importance of Rodent Prevention

Rodents can carry a number of diseases that can be harmful to humans, so it’s important to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Some of the diseases that rodents can carry include:

  • Salmonella
  • Hantavirus
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)

In addition to carrying diseases, rodents can also cause damage to your property. They gnaw on wires and insulation, which can lead to fires, and they urinate and defecate everywhere they go, which can contaminate food and surfaces.

Identifying a Rodent Problem

The first step in preventing rodents from entering your home is to identify the problem. There are a few signs that you may have a rodent problem:

Droppings: Rodents leave behind droppings wherever they go. These droppings can contaminate surfaces and food, so it’s important to clean them up as soon as possible.

Gnawing: Rodents like to gnaw on things, so you may find teeth marks on food packaging or furniture.

Noises: You may hear rodents scurrying around your home, especially at night.

Nest: You may find a nest made out of paper or fabric in an area where rodents are active.

Type of Rodent

There are a few different types of rodents that may try to enter your home:

Mice: Mice are the most common type of rodent in the UK. They are small, with brown fur and a tail that is longer than their body.

Rats: There are two types of rats in the UK, the brown rat and the black rat. Brown rats are larger than mice, with brown fur and a long tail. Black rats are smaller than brown rats, with black fur and a tail that is shorter than their body.

Squirrels: Squirrels can cause damage to your property. They are larger than mice, with furry tails and bushy eyebrows.

Tips for Keeping Rodents Out of Your Home This Winter

1. Seal up any holes or cracks on the outside of your home. Rodents can squeeze through very small openings, so it’s important to make sure there are no gaps for them to get through.

2. Keep your home clean and clutter-free. Rodents like to nest in cluttered areas, so decluttering will make it less inviting for them.

3. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of rubbish regularly. rodents are attracted to food sources, so make sure you keep your food sealed up and dispose of rubbish regularly.

4. Use mouse traps or rat traps if you already have a rodent problem. baited traps can be effective in getting rid of rodents, but make sure to check the traps regularly and dispose of the dead rodents properly.

5. Call a professional if the problem persists. If you’re having trouble getting rid of rodents, it’s best to call a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify the problem and provide a solution that will get rid of the rodents for good.

By following these tips, you can help prevent rodents from entering your home this winter and avoid the diseases and damage they can cause. For more information on rodent prevention and control, contact Sykes Pest Control today.