5 Proven Strategies to Prevent Rodent Infestations

Rodents, including rats and mice, can pose serious risks to your home or business. Not only can they cause structural damage, but they also carry diseases that can affect your health. At JP Pest Services, we understand the importance of proactive rodent prevention. Here are five effective strategies to help you keep your property rodent-free.

1. Seal All Entry Points

Rodents can enter through surprisingly small openings—gaps as tiny as ¼ inch  (about the size of a pencil). To protect your home, conduct a thorough inspection and seal any potential entry points. Focus on areas around doors, windows, and where pipes meet walls.

Recommended Materials:

• Stainless Steel Mesh: Durable and chew-proof.
• High-Density Foam: Creates an effective seal when layered with mesh.

Consider using a "sealant sandwich" method: place a layer of high-density foam, followed by stainless steel mesh, and top it off with another layer of foam. This is particularly effective for sealing cracks in floor expansion joints. Avoid using expandable foams alone, as rodents can easily chew through them.

2. Create a Vegetation-Free Perimeter

A clean and clear perimeter around your property can deter rodents. Maintain a distance of at least six feet between trees and shrubs and your building. This prevents potential hiding spots and minimizes access to your home.

Tips for Landscape Maintenance:

• Trim back overgrown plants.
• Avoid ground covers that can conceal burrows.

3. Inspect Incoming Shipments

Rodents can often sneak in on dry shipments. They do not require water and can survive on the food and shelter found in pallets. To prevent an infestation, thoroughly inspect all incoming goods during the receiving process. Catching “pallet mice” early is essential to avoiding an established rodent population.

4. Implement a Rodent Monitoring Program

A robust rodent monitoring system is vital for early detection and prevention. Conduct regular inspections of all areas, including:

• Ceilings and Upper Beams
• Wall Voids
• Sub-slab Areas

Look for signs of rodent activity and identify any potential entry points that need sealing.

Recommended Tools:

• Monitoring Traps: Place in areas with previous rodent activity, such as food service zones and basements.
• Exterior Monitoring Devices: Install around dumpsters, compactor areas, and dense vegetation.

5. Maintain Tidy Waste Areas

Rodents are attracted to messy waste areas, making proper waste management crucial. To reduce attraction:

• Keep dumpster lids closed.
• Seal trash and recycling bins tightly.

Be especially mindful of recyclable materials that might contain food residue. Store items like cardboard and plastic in closed containers to minimize the risk of attracting rodents.

Conclusion

By implementing these five proven strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of rodent infestations in your home or business. At JP Pest Services, we are dedicated to helping you maintain a pest-free environment.

Call JP Pest Services today to schedule your free rodent inspection. Your technician will provide you with a detailed report and discuss the best rodent control solutions for protecting your home, year-round.