Rodent Control in St. Louis

How to Prevent Rodents in St. Louis

Seal Openings

Rodents are small mammals that can easily squeeze through tiny spaces to find their way into your home. In fact, mice can compress their bodies to fit through openings no bigger than their skulls, making holes as small as a quarter of an inch possible entry points for these pests. Structural issues like cracks in the outer walls or foundation of your home, unscreened vents, unsecured crawl spaces, or holes around windows and doors can all serve as open invitations for rodents.

To keep mice and rats out, inspect your home regularly for openings like the ones mentioned above. If you do find possible entry points, seal them with caulk, foam, or steel wool (depending on the opening’s location). 

Practice Proper Food Storage

One of the most common reasons behind a rodent infestation in your home is the availability of food. Improper food storage can easily attract mice and rats into your kitchen, and once there, they can nest in harborage areas such as walls, cabinets, and behind appliances. 

To discourage rodents from living in your home, cover and properly store food in sealed, airtight containers. Keep in mind that mice and rats can chew through cardboard, so decanting food that comes in chewable wrapping into glass or heavy plastic containers is a good idea. And don’t forget about pet food—rodents will eat that just as well as any other food in the house. Keep Fido and Fluffy’s food in well-sealed containers, too. 

Cover Trash

Rodents feed on almost anything, including rotting and decomposing foods. As a result, leaving your trash uncovered gives rodents an incentive to enter your home as they search for their next meal. To discourage rodent invasions, be sure to only use trash bins that you can close tight to reduce the availability of food for rodents.

Maintain a Clean Kitchen

Because they are small in size, rodents don’t need a lot of food to survive. Even small crumbs and meager leftovers on the floor or countertops can be a feast for these pests. To discourage rodents’ entry into your home, keep your cooking spaces as clean and tidy as possible and ensure that you properly dispose of any leftovers to avoid feeding rodents and encouraging their presence.

Keep Logs and Firewood Away

If you keep any woodpiles, logs, or firewood close to your house, you may have unwittingly provided ideal hiding places for rodents. When these objects are close to your home, they bridge the gap between the natural habitats of these pests and your establishment. Prevent the easy entry of rodents by relocating your firewood to a place that is far enough away from your perimeter.

Declutter Your Home

Rodents are attracted to areas that allow them to easily hide from predators and threats, which explains why these pests tend to hang around cluttered or disorganized areas. To discourage rodents from invading your home and establishing their populations, do your best to keep your home tidy and free from cluttered hiding spots that could house unwelcome rodents.