Tips to Protect Your Home From a Rodent Infestation

With all the cold weather we have been experiencing, you’re not the only one seeking shelter inside your home. Rodents are also looking for a warm place like our homes to escape the winter chill. Unfortunately, these small pests can cause more than just a headache for homeowners if they gain entrance inside.

Rodents can contaminate food sources and serve as carriers of many diseases, such as salmonella and the potentially fatal Hantavirus. Mice and rats can cause serious structural damage by chewing through insulation, wallboards, wood and electrical wiring.”es, such as

It’s much easier to prevent an infestation than to get rid of pests after they’ve found a cozy retreat inside the home. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following tips to keep homes rodent-free this winter:

• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.
• Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
• Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags and other packages brought into the home.

Be on the lookout for signs of an infestation, and if you find rodent feces or hear sounds of scurrying in the walls, contact Johnson Pest Control for a free home inspection.