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#### **How to Keep These Areas Rodent-Free:**
– **Inspect regularly**: Check your attic and crawl spaces for any signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, chewed insulation, or nests.
– **Store items properly**: Use sealed plastic containers to store items in your attic or crawl space, and avoid leaving food or other attractants in these areas.
– **Ventilate properly**: Ensure that your attic and crawl spaces are well-ventilated to discourage rodent nesting. Mice and rats prefer dark, damp, and poorly ventilated areas.
By keeping these spaces clean and sealed, you will make them less inviting to rodents looking for a place to hide.
### 9. **Get a Pet Cat or Dog**
If you’re a pet lover, having a cat or even a dog can be a natural way to keep rodents at bay. Cats, in particular, are known for their hunting skills and are often highly effective at deterring mice and rats from entering your home.
#### **How Pets Help:**
– **Predator instinct**: Cats have a natural instinct to hunt small animals like mice and rats. Even the scent of a cat can deter rodents from entering a home.
– **Dogs**: While dogs may not be as effective as cats in hunting mice and rats, their presence and scent can still act as a deterrent to rodents.
If you have pets, ensure they are safe from rodent exposure by keeping your home clean and ensuring your pets don’t come into direct contact with any trapped or dead rodents.
### 10. **Use Rodent-Repelling Plants**
Some plants are naturally known to repel rodents due to their strong scents. Incorporating these plants into your garden or placing them in pots around your home can provide an extra layer of defense against rodents.
#### **Rodent-Repelling Plants:**
– **Mint**: Mice and rats dislike the scent of mint. Plant mint around your home or keep pots of mint near windows and doors.
– **Lavender**: Known for its calming properties, lavender also repels rodents with its strong fragrance.
– **Garlic and onions**: The strong smell of garlic and onions can deter rodents. Consider planting them near entry points or in your garden.
These plants not only add beauty to your home
but also serve as a natural barrier against pests.
### 11. **Use Rodent Poison as a Last Resort**
If all else fails, rodent poison can be used as a last resort for eliminating an infestation. However, poison should always be used with caution, as it can be harmful to pets and children if not handled properly.
#### **How to Use Rodent Poison Safely:**
– Place poison in areas that are inaccessible to children and pets.
– Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying the poison.
– Always monitor for any signs of poisoning or dead rodents, and dispose of them properly.
While rodent poison can help eliminate an infestation, it should never be relied on as the sole method of prevention. Always consider using other, more humane methods first.
### 12. **Call a Professional Exterminator**
If you’ve tried all of these methods and are still struggling with a rodent infestation, it may be time to call a professional pest control service. Exterminators have the expertise and tools necessary to address the problem effectively, ensuring that your home is fully protected.
#### **When to Call an Exterminator:**
– If you notice signs of a large infestation, such as multiple sightings of rodents, droppings, or chewed wiring.
– If traps and repellents are ineffective.
– If rodents are causing significant damage to your home or posing a serious health risk.
A professional exterminator can assess the situation and take targeted action to remove the rodents and prevent future invasions.
### **Conclusion**
Keeping mice and rats out of your home requires a combination of preventive measures, vigilance, and, if necessary, professional intervention. By sealing entry points, keeping your home clean, using natural repellents, and employing traps strategically, you can create an environment that is inhospitable to rodents.
Additionally, maintaining a clean yard, using ultrasonic devices, and introducing pet deterrents will provide extra protection against these persistent pests. By following the **12 smart ways to keep mice and rats out of your home**, you can protect your property, your health, and your peace of mind, ensuring that these unwelcome guests don’t invade your living space.
