Rodent Deterrents

Common Rodent Problems

With all the species that can infest houses and yards, homeowners need good rodent deterrents. Common pests in the rodent family include:

• Norway rats: Burrow near the ground and in clutter.
• Roof rats: Prefer to come indoors through roofs and attics.
• House mice: Present year-round, but enter homes in cooler weather.
• Squirrels: Found throughout yards, gardens, and trees.
• Chipmunks: Live in burrows by stairs, patios, or buildings.
• Gophers: Make mounds and burrow systems in yards

Rodent Deterrent Strategies

The most helpful rodent deterrents will remove shelter, water, and food, forcing these pests to seek resources elsewhere.

Control Food Sources

Cleanliness is an effective rodent deterrent. The smell of food attracts rodents, especially garbage and scraps. Keep trash cans sealed and carefully store pet food and leftovers.

Also, be sure to drain puddles and fix leaks, which provide water for the pests.

Eliminate Hiding Places

Clear yards of debris, wood, leaves, or clutter that could become rodent shelters. Homeowners can also trim shrubs away from houses and keep grass cut to remove cover. A tidy home and yard is the best rodent repellent.

Seal Entry Points

Sealing cracks and gaps in homes removes access to entrances, deterring rodents from coming inside. Check around foundations, windows, doorways, and drains for possible entry points.

Most rats and mice can squeeze through holes less than an inch wide.

Chemical and Electronic Rodent Repellent

Some homeowners turn to natural, chemical, or sound-based rodent repellents. Unfortunately, many natural remedies like mothballs and peppermint oil are not effective, and ultrasonic devices only drive away rodents for a short time.

Take Precaution

Residents may also consider baits, traps, or fumigants. However, these methods can be costly and often require special skills to set up. Using chemicals without the proper training is also unsafe.

Rely on the experts at Critter Control for safe, efficient rodent deterrents.