Now That’s Its Cooler, Watch out for Mice & Rats

Well its that time of year, the rodents and other critters may be trying to gain access into your home. Just like any warm blooded animal, rodents want to be snug as a bug in a warm environment and that could be your home or attic. So I suggest that you take a look at the areas around your home that may be inviting to a critter, that doesn’t have to be a rodent exclusively. Pigeons, bats and even cats may try to get into your attics or crawlspaces and set up a home, so what can you do?

1. Check your home quarterly inside and out and repair:
   1. Check weep screens.
   2. Check those louvers that allow your attic or crawlspace to breath.
   3. Caulk all holes or cracks that may allow access – remember mice can enter holes that are about the size of a dime and rats the size of a quarter.
   4. Here’s a biggie – think like a rat, how would you get in? I had a family of rats once that were coming in on telephone wires.
2. When you bring down that stuff in the attic, open boxes either outside or in the garage oh and wear gloves as well. You don’t want any surprises jumping out of the box inside your home.
3. Trim trees of your home, don’t allow vines to grow and attach.
   1. I suggest not planting plants to close to the house.
   2. If the trees did touch, make sure you repair tiles.
4. Read up on the enemy and become familiar with their habits.
   1. http://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/rodents/
   2. Remember ProBest Pest Management is just a phone call away, 480-831-9328 check out our home seal page.