There are many types of rodents, but what they all have in common is that they tend to carry disease. That’s a major reason why keeping them out of your home is so important – it protects your family’s health. Let’s take a closer look at the steps necessary to rodent proof a home and attic. This way you can avoid a rodent clean up and decontamination!
Denying Mice & Rats Opportunities to Nest
In order to rodent proof a home the first thing you have to do is recognize what these animals find attractive about your living space. In general, they are looking for protected areas that are warm and have access to water. If you eliminate these areas, or at least remove the incentive for mice or rats to invade your home, you have usually solved the problem.
Your Junk Storage Items Make Great Rodent Dens
Think about your garage and attic. Is it starting to look like A&E might be visiting to film an episode of Hoarders? Do people kid you about how packed your “empty spaces” are with boxes and useless items? Are you unable to park both your cars in your garage because of all the clutter – or unable to fit another box in your attic? You have created a paradise for rodents. Behind all of that junk are the perfect spots for rodents to settle down and raise a family – or ten.
To be blunt, you are asking for a rodent infestation. To address the problem, you need to remove all of the junk from your garage, attic and sheds. Not sure what to do with it? Two words: garage sale. If you absolutely need it, rent a storage unit and let the owners worry about mice and rats.
Palm Tree Rats
In San Diego, we have a unique issue with palm trees. Palm trees are beautiful, but rats love to climb them and live in the fronds. To prevent this, consider buying a descending plastic cone. These cones can be fastened around the trunk of the palm. They face down much like a lampshade, and prevent rats from getting up into the fronds.
Do Fruit Trees Attract Rats and Mice?
Fruit trees Roof Rats love citrus even ornamental fruit is a delicacy they can’t resist. The best measure is to pick the fruit from the trees removing this steady source of food for roof rats can reduce the risk invitation for an infestation.
Rodent Proof Insulation for Attics and Homes
We love insulation because it keeps us warm and cozy during even the coldest days of winter. Unfortunately rats, mice, and other pests love insulation for the same reasons! The first step in fixing an attic or crawl space that has been overrun with rats is often to clean out the damage they’ve done and put in place barriers to seal indoor spaces from outside rodents looking to move in. Removing insulation can be tricky business, especially when it’s been contaminated by bacteria harboring urine and feces. Truly rodent proof insulating requires sealing home openings that have become rodent entry points before installing fresh material.
Home Openings: Attics, Walls and Crawlspaces
The next focus is on your home itself. Rats and mice often view the home as a paradise of sorts, since it is warm and a haven of protection against predators. If rodents can get inside, they can generally live a worry-free life while being fruitful and multiplying at alarming rates.
The major concerns are holes or cracks on the exterior of the home. They need to be sealed. Are small cracks really a concern? Yes. Rats and mice can squeeze through just about any space as long as they can get their heads through the opening. For a rat, this means a space roughly a quarter in size. For mice, we are talking about a hole the size of a dime or penny.
Now that you know what to look for, start doing laps around your home. Rodents can climb, so focus on the entire structure, including vent and air duct openings. Any holes where pipes and wires enter the home must be properly sealed. Locations where air flow is needed, such as vents, can be protected from rodents by mounting cooper wool on the interior. The wool will allow air flow, but will keep rodents out – since the animals cannot chew through the copper.
Free Rodent Proofing Estimates
Our experienced technicians will provide a free written recommendation detailing the proper actions needed to restore your home to a safe and healthy environment. When you need attic cleanup, crawl space cleanup, rodent proofing, decontamination, insulation removal or insulation replacement in San Diego call Attic Construction Inc at 858-609-8118.