Mice and rat problems are pretty common when it’s winter. Some of your home places are perfect for them as they are warm, they get enough food around, and there is no trouble for these pests.
So, you need to identify those areas and get rid of them.
This guide covers how to avoid unwanted guests (mice, rats, and all the other insects).
We will explore the DIY approach to fixing them and also determine when to call pest control services in Sydney for assistance.
Why Rodents Head Indoors in Winter
Like us, rats and mice don’t love the cold. During winter, they’re on the hunt for anywhere dry and warm. Many places in your home are perfect for them. It includes your roof, walls, or pantry.
Don’t think that these pests will need a huge hole to enter. They can enter even through the smallest hole. They just need a place to warm up.
How to Tell if You’ve Got a Rodent Problem
Sometimes, it’s obvious. Other times, not so much. You may see the rodent once or twice, whereas sometimes, it’s clear that you have a rodent problem.
Keep an eye out for these common signs:
- Droppings in drawers, behind appliances, or anywhere near food.
- Chewed food packets or sometimes even gnawed furniture.
- A strange, musty smell in cupboards, washbasins, or corners.
- Greasy rub marks along walls or skirting boards (usually in corners).
- Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation used for nesting.
If you notice any of the above, there’s a good chance you’ve got rodents around, and they won’t leave on their own. So, you need to take them out.
Simple Ways to Keep Rats and Mice Out
You don’t need to overhaul your house to keep rodents away. Here’s how to do rodent pest control with ease:
1. Block Off Entry Points
Check for any small gaps or the tiniest holes in your house. You don’t need to analyse your whole house. Instead, you can look near windows, doors, vents, pipes, and along the roofline. Mice and rats don’t need much space to enter. So, look carefully.
Once you find them, you can simply seal them with proper sealant. You can use wool or even mesh to seal it.
You can also check your shelf or garage, as rodent often hides in quiet places.
2. Keep Food Out of Reach
Rodents are always looking for food. If you have food lying around, it’s a huge treat for them, and they will settle in.
So, use a sealed container, and clean the house properly. Also, if you have a pet, make sure the pet bowl is cleaned and the pet food isn’t just lying around.
And never leave food out overnight. Even a half-eaten smallest piece of a snack on the bench can attract them.
3. Clear the Clutter
Mice and rats love clutter. It gives them space to hide and grow. So, you need to avoid letting any junk build-up, which also includes newspapers, cardboard boxes, etc.
Outside, don’t leave piles of leaves, wood, or garden waste sitting around. Clean them.
Above all, take the trash out more often. Keep your property clean.
Final Verdict: Use Traps or Call the Pros?
Now comes the big question: set the traps and do the rodent pest control on your own, or leave it to the experts.
If you think rodents are already sniffing around, traps are great for rodent pest control.
Snap traps, bait stations, or electronic traps, all of them work well. You can set them up where you see the mice or rats often,
Natural deterrents like peppermint oil are great for prevention, but won’t help much in active pest infestation.
Some rodent problems are just too much to handle on your own. If you have done everything mentioned here, and you still see the rats lying around, it’s time to bring in pest control services in Sydney.
A professional team will know exactly where to look and how to treat the problem safely. They’ll also check for damage and help you make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Whether you’ve got rats on the roof or mice under the kitchen sink, a proper rodent pest control service is all you need when it comes to solving the issues.