Are you proud of the fact that you’ve never seen a rodent in your home (or at least for a few years)? While this does sound like quite the accomplishment, just because you have seen one, doesn’t mean there isn’t one in hiding. Here’s the facts about rodents and why you might have one hiding somewhere within your humble abode:

Facts About Rodents in Homes

  • Roughly 37 percent of homeowners have seen a rodent in their home within the last year.
  • Places in the home where rodents are most commonly seen are kitchens, garages, and basements.
  • Roughly half of all homeowners are most concerned with the breeding of other rodents in their home. This is a serious concern, as a female mouse can produce up to 12 offspring every three weeks!
  • Another 20 percent of homeowners had a main concern of the disease these rodents can spread. Hantavirus, Salmonella, Tularemia, the Plague, and allergies & asthma are all diseases and conditions that can result from a rodent infestation.

How to Prevent Rodent Infestations

  • Inspect the inside and outside of your home for any cracks, gaps, and holes that might exist, creating an entryway for rodents. Patch these up with the appropriate caulking (and metal mesh if the hole is large enough).
  • If your windows and door frames don’t already have weatherstripping — add it! If they already do, inspect it and make sure it’s still in working condition (replace if necessary).
  • Try to keep basement and garage floors cleared of clutter — yes, this includes those stacks of cardboard boxes! Install a shelving system and place all items in plastic bins.
  • Add screens to chimneys, exhaust vents, and any openings where a rodent could easily crawl into.
  • Keep all food in airtight containers; clean up any crumbs and spills as soon as they hit the floor.
  • Contact a professional pest management company as soon as you see a rodent or visible signs of one (droppings, gnaw marks, etc.).

Having a rodent in your home (especially during the winter) is not uncommon — so there’s a good chance one is in yours! If you have rodents in your home (or you think you do), give us a call for an inspection — we’ll be there!