8 Steps to Prevent Rats & Mice in the Winter
New Mexico may have more mild winters than some parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean residents don’t experience pest problems all the same. Rodent infestations are one of the most common pest problems this time of year as rats and mice look to escape dropping temperatures outdoors. In fact, The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has stated that 21 million homes in the U.S. are invaded by rodents each winter! To protect your property from rodents this time of year, it’s important to inspect your home and make repairs to keep them from getting indoors. Read on for New Mexico Pest Control’s top tips for how to prevent rats and mice in the winter.
Can Rats & Mice Survive Cold Weather?
Although many animals and pests hibernate in the colder months, that’s not the case for rats and mice. They are more active than ever this time of year, and are drawn indoors to seek out warmth and shelter. Once inside, a rodent infestation can cause homeowners a lot of grief.
Invading rodents aren’t only gross—they can be dangerous or destructive, too! To protect you and your family from rats and mice in the winter, it’s important to learn how to seal your home from them.
How to Prevent Rats and Mice Indoors
To protect your property from pests, it’s important to regularly check your property for things that may invite pests indoors. Before the winter and throughout the year, make sure to check the following areas of your home:
- Roof: Replace and repair shingles or any other roof damage
- Vents: Cover all vents securely
- Screens: Fix or replace any damaged window, door, or porch screens
- Vegetation: Keep a tidy yard and cut tree limbs back away from your home
- Gutters: Clean debris from gutters and downspouts
- Outside: Securely seal trash cans and keep a clean yard
- Garage: Make sure your garage closes flush to the ground
- Foundation: Seal any cracks or crevices larger than a dime
New Mexico Rodent Prevention
Mice can squeeze their way through holes the size of a dime, which is why it’s so important to seal even the tiniest cracks and crevices in your home. If you’ve done all you can to prevent rodents in your home this winter and still have rodent problems, it’s time to call the rodent exterminators at New Mexico Pest Control. As industry leaders in rodent control, we can keep you and your family rodent-free all year long.
