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Rodents are among the most common household pests—and once they get inside, they can cause serious problems fast. From chewing electrical wiring to contaminating food and spreading bacteria, mice and rats aren’t just a nuisance; they’re a genuine health and safety risk. Fortunately, there are proven steps homeowners can take to protect their homes from unwanted rodents. Below are expert tips from Proterra Pest Control to keep your space safe, healthy, and rodent-free year-round.
Seal Entry Points Before Rodents Find Them
Rodents only need a tiny gap to squeeze into your home—mice can fit through openings as small as a dime, and rats only need a quarter-sized space. This makes sealing entry points one of the most important steps in rodent prevention.
Inspect the exterior of your home for gaps around:
Doors and windows
Foundation cracks
Utility lines, plumbing, and dryer vents
Garage doors
Attic eaves and rooflines
Use steel wool, metal flashing, or hardware cloth—materials rodents can’t chew through. Avoid using foam alone, as rodents can gnaw straight through it.
Keep Food Sources Out of Reach
Rodents are always searching for food, and even a few crumbs can attract them. Making your home less appealing is key to keeping them away.
Store pantry food in airtight containers
Keep pet food sealed and avoid leaving bowls out overnight
Wipe down counters and sweep floors regularly
Use lidded garbage cans indoors and outdoors
Clean up spills quickly, especially sugary or greasy items
The less accessible food is, the less incentive rodents have to stick around.
Eliminate Clutter and Nesting Sites
Rodents are masters at finding quiet, undisturbed places to build nests. Reducing clutter—especially in attics, basements, closets, and garages—removes their shelter.
Try these tips:
Keep storage items in plastic bins instead of cardboard
Declutter basements and garages where rodents often nest
Trim bushes and vegetation away from the home
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house
Maintain clean, organized spaces indoors
A tidy environment is far less inviting for nesting rodents.
Stay Ahead of Rodent Activity With Regular Inspections
Sometimes rodent activity starts small—light scratching sounds, a couple of droppings, or faint gnaw marks. Catching these signs early can prevent a full-blown infestation.
Regularly inspect:
Under sinks
Behind appliances
Basement corners
Attic spaces
Pantry areas
If you notice droppings, chewed items, oily rub marks, or unusual noises, it’s time to take action.
When to Call a Professional for Rodent Control
DIY traps may catch a few rodents, but they rarely address the full scope of an infestation. Rodents breed quickly, hide extremely well, and can access areas that are difficult for homeowners to inspect. Professional rodent control includes advanced tools, safe exclusion methods, and long-term prevention strategies that keep rodents out—not just temporarily, but for good.
Protect Your Home With Expert Rodent Control
You deserve a home that feels safe and pest-free. If you’ve seen signs of rodents or want to prevent an infestation before it starts, the experts at Proterra Pest Control are here to help. Our team specializes in effective, long-term rodent control tailored to your home and family’s needs.
Call Proterra Pest Control today at (509) 284-8030 to schedule your rodent inspection and keep mice and rats out for good.