Rodents are among the most unwelcome house guests, especially since they cause structural damage, contaminate food and water and carry diseases. Rodent infestations are more prevalent during the winter months because that’s when they’re seeking shelter from the cold. If you notice signs of a rodent infestation, here are some things you can do:

Keep a Clean Home

Rodents strongly dislike a clean home. They much prefer one that’s messier with plenty of clutter to hide and nest in. Don’t make it easy for these creatures to make themselves comfortable. Keep your home clean and free of clutter, especially in quieter or storage areas of the home, such as garages, attics and basements.

Maintain Your Exterior

Rodents can nest in areas near the exterior of your home, as well. Piles of leaves, tall grass and weeds provide more places for rodents to hide. Keep your lawn well-maintained and landscaped to avoid attracting rodents. Also, make sure outdoor trash is well secured and minimize other outdoor food and water sources, like fallen birdseed or accumulated pools of water.

Secure Food and Trash

One of the main reasons rodents infest people’s homes is to find food. Crumbs left on the counter, floor or inside cabinets are a perfect source of food for rodents. Even if you make sure there are no crumbs, rodents are relentless when it comes to finding food. If they make their way into your pantry, they’re likely to chew through packaging and nibble on your food. Make sure to secure leftovers and pet food in airtight containers, and never leave food or dirty dishes out.

Seal Entry Points

A good way to get rid of rats is to prevent them from entering in the first place. If you eliminate their entry point, it makes it harder for them to infest your home. Install screens and seal any gaps around doors, windows and vents. Be sure to patch up holes in the walls or foundation. Mice can enter through openings as small as a quarter-inch, so make sure every crack or gap is sealed!

Use Bait and Traps

There are various kinds of baits and traps you can use to deal with rodents, but the key is knowing where to put them. The best places are areas where you’ve seen signs of activity, like in attics, basements, kitchens or garages. It’s especially important to set bait and traps where you’ve noticed droppings, gnaw marks or nests. Rodents usually travel along walls or in dark, hidden corners. These are also good places to set traps.

Call the Pros

Of course, the most effective way to handle a rodent problem is to call the professionals. With their expert knowledge of rodent behavior and access to professional-grade tools, pest control technicians can quickly and safely address infestations. They’ll also help with long-term prevention, making sure rodents don’t return once they’re gone.

If you have a rodent infestation despite your best efforts, your trusted Des Moines rodent control team here at Pro-Staff can help. Give us a call at (515) 279-7378 or contact us online for a free quote.