How to Prevent Rodents From Entering Your Home

Throughout human history, no pests have caused more problems or been more persistent than rodents. Mice, rats, and so many other varieties of these furry little home invaders have evolved to be intelligent, sneaky, and resourceful, making them a formidable opponent for even an experienced homeowner. Knowledge however, is one of your most potent tools in the ongoing fight against nuisance rodents.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Sneaky and clever though rodents may be, they tend to leave behind a few telltale signs of their presence in your home. Knowing these can save you crucial time, allowing you to get the help you need as fast as possible and reducing any associated risks. Some signs of rodent activity include:

• Scratching or rustling noises coming from behind walls.
• Greasy streaks or small holes on or in baseboards.
• Rodent footprints in or around your kitchen or food storage areas. 
• Uncharacteristic pet behavior with no obvious explanation.
• Unpleasant odors from areas of your home which are difficult to access.
• Bits of shredded paper or cardboard near potential rodent nesting sites.

Common Types of Rodents in California

With both dense urban areas and sprawling rural expanses, California faces unique and varied rodent pressures. Still, several species of rodents are more commonly found here in the Golden State than others. Common rodents in California include:

• Norway Rats: Common in urban areas, these large rodents are easily identified by their dull brown fur and long tails. 
• Roof Rats: Found in similar environments to their Norwegian cousins, Roof Rats have longer bodies but shorter tails as well as dark black fur. 
• House Mice: Perhaps the most classic example of a nuisance rodent that you’ll find anywhere, house mice are small, have rounded ears, pointed snouts, and characteristic grey fur.  
• Kangaroo Rats: Found most often in dry, rural environments, kangaroo rats will still try to get indoors from time to time. They can be identified by their light brown fur, white undersides, long tails, and oversized back feet. 
• Voles: Distinctly different than any other rodent on this list, voles are burrowing rodents that prefer both suburban lawns and rural farmland. Voles can be identified by their small, stout stature, rounded snouts, short, hairy tails, and dark grey fur. 

What Attracts Rodents To My Home?

Most often, rodents come into your home in search of easily-accessible food. With their sharp sense of smell, they’ll typically follow food-related odors indoors, which usually come from either improperly stored produce or unsecured trash. Mice and rats are also attracted to the scent of nuts and seeds, meaning that for example, a bird feeder placed too close to your home can draw them in from far and wide. 

How To Prevent Rodents From Entering My Home? 

Given everything we’ve discussed, it may seem as if you’re powerless to prevent mice and rats from coming indoors. In reality though, nothing could be further from the truth! We love easy DIY rodent control methods which you can try at home, a few of which are:

• Regularly dispose of spoiled food and take out the trash.
• Use secure or locking garbage cans in your kitchen.
• Perform regular cleaning around the home, particularly in food prep and storage areas.
• Make sure that your doors and windows show properly and form a tight seal.
• Have your home’s foundation checked for cracks and crevices. 
• Strategically using a rodent repellent spray or an ultrasonic device.

While you can do quite a lot to keep these pests out of your home, we strongly discourage attempts at DIY control if they’re already indoors. Mice and rats are known to carry potentially dangerous diseases like Hantavirus, Typhus, and even the fleas that spread Bubonic Plague! Close contact with an infected rat can easily result in transmission, meaning that it’s always best left to a trained professional. Here at We Do Creepy though, we offer safe, affordable, and dependable rodent control that you can rely on to keep your home and family safe all year. So if you think your home may be the victim of an infestation, give us a call today at 760-690-2260!