Do you suspect a rodent problem?

Over 1,500 species of rodents exist, making a lot of potential pests that can infiltrate your garage, attic, and home. While not all of these critters create residential problems, the ones who do can cause serious problems.

Rodents chew through all sorts of materials, ruining walls, furniture, and more. They can get into your food supply and carry diseases that put your family and your pets at risk.

Read on to learn 5 ways to eliminate rodent infestations.

1. Clean

If you notice signs of rodent infestation, like droppings, chew marks on furniture, walls, and food packages, stray nesting material, and an ammonia smell, then super clean your home. First of all, rodents carry harmful germs, so you should disinfect all surfaces they may crawl across anyhow.

Furthermore, the smell of garbage attracts mice. It indicates a food source.

Take out the trash and clean garbage cans thoughtfully to eliminate any stench. Sweep, vacuum, and mop all surfaces to get rid of crumbs. Clean up and piles of clothing or hoards around the house that make hiding and nesting easy for the rodents.

2. Get a Pet

Rodents will quickly take over a home if left alone. They quickly multiply and the more there are, the harder the infestation is to treat. 

Keeping a family pet can actually help you get rid of rodents and scare others from invading. Dogs and cats give off a smell that rodents will fear. These animals might also sniff out a nest or pick the critters off one by one as they come out into the open.

3. Grow House Plants

While house plants appeal to humans, rats and mice find many of them repulsive. Choose flowers and aromatic herbs to grow around the house to try to turn these pests away from your home.

Some potential house plants that keep rodents away include:

• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Sage
• Rosemary
• Marigolds

Place the potted plants near kitchen cupboards and in places where you notice droppings or other signs of infestation. Just keep in mind the amount of sunlight needed to keep your plants alive.

4. Set Traps

You can also set mouse traps to get the situation under control. You can opt for kill traps or a more humane approach.

Kill traps either contain a mechanism that kills them instantly or a poison that they eat. You can bait them using crackers mixed with peanut butter and baking soda. This creates a reaction in their belly that kills them.

Containment traps hold onto the rodents without killing them. Drive far from your home and release them in a field.

5. Call an Exterminator

If you suspect a large infestation, or tried to rid your home of the rodents and failed, leave it to the professionals. They know exactly how to remove pests as quickly as possible. If you worry about ethics, just ask for rodent control options.

Rid Your Home of Rodent Infestations

Rodent infestations can wreak havoc on your life. Get rid of these pests and then focus on prevention moving forward.

Interested in learning more? Find tons of useful tips and tricks on our website!