Rodent prevention hints & tips

Winter is here, and the mice are coming into play!

The cooler weather leaves many pests looking for a safe, warm place to spend the winter months, and your home provides them with plenty of opportunities. Roof spaces, garages and stored items around your home provide warmth, shelter and a great hiding place for many of Perth's common pests.

Rodents, in particular, tend to exploit these areas during the winter months and can quickly become unwanted house guests.

Throughout history, rodents have been a well-known transmitter of disease and are thought to be responsible for more deaths than all the World Wars. Diseases from rodents can be easily spread to humans through bites, scratches, contaminated food, furniture, air and even via rodent-hosted fleas, ticks and mites.

However, it's not just the risk of disease that makes these pests unwanted house guests. It is estimated that rodents are also responsible for 20-25% of all fires of unknown causes due to their tendency to chew electrical wiring and gas lines.

There are a few things you can do to prevent these furry creatures from finding shelter in your home:

There are a few things you can do to prevent these furry creatures from finding shelter in your home:

1. Seal Entry Points
   To effectively keep rats & mice out of your home, it's vital to seal off any place that makes it possible for them to gain entry. Rodents are highly skilled at squeezing through tiny gaps. A good rule of thumb to follow is to close off any opening larger than ¼-inch. Check window screens for any tears and repair them as needed. Seal any cracks in walls and foundations and fill gaps in doors and around pipes entering your home.
    
2. Maintain your gardens
   Trim any branches that hang close to your house, as they could provide rats and mice with easy access to your roof. Tidy up any overgrown vegetation and remove weeds and leaf piles to ensure rodents have fewer hiding places.
    
3. Keeping food areas clean and food stored in sealed containers
   Rodents are always on the lookout for a source of food. Therefore, keeping surfaces clear of food, regularly sweeping or vacuuming food preparation areas, and monitoring for crumbs under counters, in the fridge, and on other appliances is key. Additionally, ensure that all your food is stored in sealed containers to prevent easy access.
   
   Don't forget about the dog and cat food, too - pet food should also be kept sealed!
    
4. Elevate Firewood
   Firewood stockpiles make the perfect hideout for rodents. Therefore, it is recommended to elevate your logs at least 18 inches off the ground and to store them away from your house.
    
5. Declutter your home
   Mice and rats thrive in areas with clutter, which provide plenty of convenient hiding spots – especially in parts of the home that don't serve as primary living spaces, such as roof spaces, sheds and garages. Some quick tidying can make these areas less tempting. Start by clearing out stacks of cupboards and other junk. Boxes clustered together can also be inviting, so make sure your stored items are organised and elevated off the ground.
    
6. Call in pest professional
   If all else fails, then contact a pest control company for further help and advice. In Western Australia, Termico Pest Management has been working to keep homes around Perth pest-free for almost 30 years. It is the RAC's only pest management partner, offering exclusive deals to RAC members.

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