Keep Rodents Out of Your Home

To avoid getting a rodent infestation, it’s crucial to know about rat proofing your home! With all pest control, prevention is the key. A rat or mouse problem in your home or business isn’t only gross—it can be dangerous as well! Rodents are known to be carriers of a variety of diseases, their droppings can pose serious health hazards, and the property damage they cause is typically costly.

Keep reading to learn how to keep rodents out of your home or business in the Knoxville area.

How Do Rodents Get Inside My Home?

Rodents get indoors through the tiniest of cracks and crevices. Rats are excellent climbers and rats can jump from overhanging trees to access roof lines and attics. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime and rats only need a gap the size of a quarter. Some of the most common spaces through which rodents enter include dryer vents, utility pipes, exterior doors, garage doors, and chimneys.

How Do I Get Rid of Rats?

Rats and mice can be difficult to get rid of without the help of a professional. There are many store-bought options to do it yourself, but a large infestation almost always needs to be handled by an expert. Not only can a rodent exterminator get rid of your infestation, but they can also ensure you do not deal with future rodent problems by helping to prevent them year-round.

Rodent Prevention Tips

When it comes to rat proofing your home, it’s important to stay diligent about keeping a clean home. Our top four rodent prevention tips include:

1. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool, expanding-foam insulation, or another product.
2. Always store food in airtight containers and keep tight lids on garbage cans.
3. Avoid extra moisture in your basements, attics, and crawl spaces and always keep them clean.
4. Place screens over vents and chimney openings. Repair damaged screens on doors and windows.

Rat Proofing your Knoxville Property

When it comes to preventing rodents, it’s important to understand how they got inside in the first place. Like any other pests, rats and mice are compelled to get indoors in search of food and shelter. They will find their way in through small cracks, holes, or in openings where pipes and wires are fed indoors. Once inside, they will locate dark areas with a lot of clutter. They are often found in walls, attics, basements, and other dark, clutter-filled areas. Because they are so apt at finding places inside your property to live, it’s important to implement rat proofing into your home maintenance routines.

Long-term Mouse Prevention

If you’ve done all you can to prevent rodents but are still noticing the signs of rats or mice in your property, it’s time to enlist the help of a professional rat or mouse exterminator. The experts at Russell’s Pest Control know how to keep rodents out of your home for good. To learn more about our rodent prevention services, call us today!