Fall is upon us, along with cooler temperatures and the threat of winter weather. Humans aren’t the only ones who like to seek shelter in the warmth a home provides. Rodents who need a warm place to stay for the winter may also be drawn toward houses. Do you know where they can get in?

It tends to be relatively easy for rodents to gain access to your home through your garage, especially if you leave any of the doors open. Carefully inspect the doors, windows, floors, and walls. Rodents can squeeze in through gaps as small as ¼ inch. That’s roughly the diameter of a pencil. Any gaps that size or larger need to be closed off. The best way to do that will depend on where the gap is located. Sealants and new weather stripping may be useful solutions.

Rodents tend to be excellent climbers, which makes your roof another common entry point to your home. The same gap rule for your garage applies to your roof–rodents can and will fit through any gap ¼ inch or bigger. You can choose to inspect your roof yourself or have it professionally inspected to identify those access points. If you do it yourself, pay extra attention to the area between the eves and the house. You may be able to patch small holes yourself, but contact a roofing professional to fix anything large or long.

No one likes a drafty door or window. That is, except perhaps rodents which may use cracks and gaps around them to gain access to your nice, warm home. Carefully inspect each door that opens to the garage or the outside and each window. You may find it helpful to have a pencil with you to test the size of any gaps or cracks you find. Replace weather-stripping and apply caulk as needed.

If you don’t want rodents getting into your home, pay attention to common rodent entry points and address problems as you find them. Not sure what you’re looking for or want a trained set of eyes ready to spot entry points? Not only can the pest control professionals at Proterra Pest Control identify entry points, but they can also help you close them off, denying rodents entry to your home. Fall is the perfect time to prepare for winter. Make sure pest control is part of your preparations.

Do you need help with a rodent problem? Proterra Pest Control can help! Click here to contact us today!