How to Stop a Rodent Infestation in Your Home

According to census.gov, 14.8 million homeowners have seen rodents in their homes in the last 12 months.

Are you one of those people who hear noises at night that keep you awake? Have you walked into a room to find huge puddles of your home’s goods splattered on the floor? Do you come home from work to find freshly gnawed holes where you stored your goods?

No matter how creepy it looks or sounds, this is a matter that should be dealt with!

Do you want to know how to stop a rodent infestation? Keep on reading!

What Are Some Signs of Rodent Infestation?

There are some telltale signs if you think you have a rodent infestation in your home: droppings around food packages, drawers, under the sink, gnaw marks on food boxes or containers, and footprints.

You should also look for nesting rodents; materials like dried twigs, leaves, shredded paper, or fabrics are usually used to create nests. Lastly, look for holes chewed on walls or floors.

If you see any of these, it’s time to take action to get rid of the pests.

Where Do Rodents Enter Homes?

Homeowners need to take action to prevent rodents from entering their homes. Some rodents enter homes through cracks, holes in walls, floors, and gaps in the foundation; others enter through openings around gas lines, plumbing and water lines, air ducts, and dryer vents.

Rodents can also enter through tiny gaps in your window, unsealed drain pipes, or the ceiling. Because of the shape of their bodies, rats and mice can fit through holes smaller than they appear.

How Can You Prevent Rodents From Entering Your Home?

Homeowners should inspect their homes for potential entry points and seal any cracks and gaps they find where rodents can enter. Set traps or bring in a professional to help remove the rodents. They should also clean up the areas where rodents have been active to discourage them from returning.

Store food like opened bags of chips in zip lock bags or any other food in sealed containers. Always keep yards clean and free of debris, and remove any sources of food and water that might attract rodents, like regularly taking out the trash.

How to Stop a Rodent Infestation Once They’ve Entered Your Home?

If you think you have a rodent problem in your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. The first step is to determine how they are getting into your home. Look for holes or openings around your foundation, windows, and doors.

Once you’ve found the entry points, seal them with caulk, steel wool, or other materials. The next step is to remove their food and water sources. Make sure to clean up any crumbs or water spills, and store your food in sealed containers.

You can also try setting up traps or bait stations to catch the rodents. These days, new technology like Zapp Light or Zap with beeps creates a beeping sound that rodents hate. The sound of these repellants is not hazardous to other pets like cats or dogs.

Aside from those, you can also create natural mouse repellents like:

Apple Cider and Water Mixtures

Just put it in a spray bottle and apply it around your house and at possible entry points in your home. You can reapply this mixture at least once a month to keep rodents out.

Hot Pepper Solution

It is a mixture of chili flakes, sliced peppers, dish soap, and water. You can spray this mixture in areas where you notice rodent activity. This mixture is not poisonous to people and pets like cats and dogs; you still need to be cautious not to spray it on things like furniture, clothing, pillows, blankets, or any place people or pets usually go.

You may need to call a professional pest control company for help if you have a severe infestation.

Cost of Pest Control Services

If you have a rodent infestation in your home, you must take action to eliminate them. The property type impacts the cost of pest control services; it can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of your home.

Most professional pest control services usually offer a free inspection; some professionals in your area might charge you around $100 to as much as $250. The standard price range starts at about $200 and can reach about $600 depending on how large the property and infestation are.

Some companies check the type of property you have before giving an estimated price for their services. Other professionals also offer or include cleaning up for all the mess made from the extermination process. Another service some professionals offer is monthly or quarterly follow-up visits, which can cost an additional $50 up to $150 per visit.

Lastly, repairs. Professional pest control services usually refer contractors to repair anything the rodent damaged, from drywall, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and water cleanups. Fixing and ensuring all these are set to prevent rodents from further entering your home to nest and infest.

Stop Rodent Infestation Today!

Always clean up and check for signs of any pest before it gets too severe. Either way, getting rid of rodents in your home is essential to maintain your health and the integrity of your home.

Now you know how to stop a rodent infestation. If you still can’t exterminate these pets, it is best to call for professional help!

Looking for more advice on keeping your home clean and pest-free? Look at the rest of our blog for the ins and outs of keeping your home clean and well-maintained.