A quick fun fact here: Did you know you can get rats nearly as big as domestic cats in cities like New York and Paris? Amazingly, some of the biggest and richest cities in the world can’t seem to get rid of their rodent infestation. So, it is expected that a regular ol’ Joe like you or myself wouldn’t easily get rid of critters and rodents in our homes, right?
Sharing your living space with uninvited furry (and not-so-furry) guests can be a nightmare not to mention disgusting. They chew everything from your electric cabling to your plumbing, not to mention the unsettling nocturnal noises that leave you feeling haunted.
Besides the old, grimy, and malevolent ways of getting rid of these critters, there are a few other clean strategies that you can try. This could well be worthy of an essay topic, in which case head on to payforessay.net to see viable solutions for your assignment help.
Let’s dive into four of these which don’t just cure the problem, but also prevent it.
Find and Seal Those Entry Points
Critters like rats, mice, and lizards look for the easiest way to get inside your home. That could be through a crack or an unsealed opening. The worst-case scenario would be a snake getting into your home with you oblivious to it. These animals get inside your home for food, shelter or to escape from predators.
Walls and Pipes
Scrutinize windows, doors, foundation walls, pipes, and vents for even the tiniest of gaps. Go through the entire exterior and double down at night with a powerful flashlight. Rats and mice can go through even the smallest of openings. Holes in the roof, holes drilled for plumbing and wiring, and even unfilled spaces at the bottom of panel walls can all act as an entry point for critters.
Seal those unwanted holes with caulk or mortar and use expanding foam in really stubborn areas. You may also consider reinforcing vulnerable spots with hardware cloth to give them some extra protection. Where the material has worn off or has been weathered by the elements, this presents a double problem. Rodents can chew on the wood and also create even bigger holes. These areas should be stripped off and the wood replaced and reinforced.
Seal Your Chimney and Pet Doors
Your chimney is another place where rodents could gain entry, especially if it is near trees or plumbing like roof gutters and vent pipes. Secure the flue with a tight-fitting cap or a mesh screen specifically designed to keep out animals while allowing smoke to escape freely.
If you do keep a pet door for your furry friends, ensure it is built for security. Ideally, these should be made of sturdy metal or composite frames. It should have an autolocking mechanism or timed entry/exit to restrict access during the nighttime.
Starve the Invasion
The number one thing attracting rodents to your home is the availability of food. All food should be stored securely with the lid on. Invest in airtight containers with secure lids and store them strategically. Never leave containers with food outside overnight unsealed.
Regularly sweep and mop floors around the pantry and kitchen area. Pay close attention to corners, along baseboards, and behind appliances – these areas house crumbs and other micro-food debris and can attract critters easily.
Store Garbage Securely
Overflowing trash cans might be the reason why cities like New York and Paris have to contest with pest infestation. Don’t let overflowing trash cans become an open invitation for scavengers. Use sturdy bins with secure lids that can withstand dogs and other animals trying to open them.
Keep garbage a sizeable distance away from your house to avoid attracting attention from all types of animals. You can keep them in a garage or shed that is well-protected. Take your trash out regularly since vermin are intelligent and they know where to get food when they get hungry.
Compost is a great way to deal with organic garbage such as food leftovers, fruit peels, and vegetable waste. You can apply compost on our lawn or kitchen garden and save yourself the hassle of having to buy manure. Compost needs to go in a bin which should be kept far from the house, i.e. at least 30 feet away. That will help you avoid attracting curious and potentially destructive animals that can turn your compost heap into a buffet.
Make Your Home Unconducive
Rats and mice like the undergrowth in areas that have been left neglected such as in the backyard, or away from roads and utilities. They also like areas near the house that have trees and shrubs. that way they can climb, steal food, and have a nice escape route.
Trim trees and shrubs back from your house, keeping branches at least 10 feet away from the roofline. The roofline is especially important since pets can gain access to your gutters and other fixtures terminating on the roof. Keeping trees away will prevent the risk of animals using them as a springboard to access your attic.
While not foolproof, natural deterrents like peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, and even ultrasonic devices can be helpful. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near known entry points. Sprinkle cayenne pepper around potential nesting areas (be mindful of pets and children). You can also buy products like Critter Ridder and coyote urine from home repair stores and apply these, though their effectiveness is limited.
Another option is to adopt one or more feral cats and house them on the outside of your house. This assumes that your rodent problem is on the outside.
Call in Reinforcement
Just like when you run out of options and have to buy essay, If all else fails, or if you are facing a severe infestation, it’s time to call the cavalry. Consult a licensed pest control professional who has the expertise to identify the root of the problem and evict the critters as humanely as possible.
Remember
Always be vigilant. Before moving into a new home always ask the neighbors if they have experienced a pet infestation before. Regularly inspect your home and check for marks or activity such as droppings, gnaw marks, or unusual noises. Finally, treat critters humanely whenever possible. it is better to avoid the problem than to have to deal with it violently later on.