How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Kitchen
We're not rats, we're people. Whatever you've heard about rodents and kitchens is true: they enjoy the warmth of your stove and oven, the food scraps that accumulate in your sink, and even the crumbs on your countertop (gross). And while some people don't mind having a rat or mouse around their feet while they cook, most of us would prefer to keep these furry pests out of our homes. So how do we get rid of them? Let's discuss!
Rodents of all varieties can be sneaky and determined, which is why they are so prevalent. They'll find their way into your home if you're not careful! It is common for rodents to seek out a warm place for the winter even in South Florida, making your home a new nesting ground.
Here’s what you can do to help keep these vermin out:
Clean up food spills and crumbs
The best way to stop attracting vermin is by keeping your area clean and fresh. Make sure to clean up and any food spills or crumbs that might be attracting these furry pests.
In addition, put some cling wrap around anything with exposed meat, cutlery that comes into contact with raw meats or vegetables should be placed in a closed container (don't forget about leftovers!), while dirty dishes go straight into the dishwasher after use!
Keep your counters clear of clutter
Keeping your counters clear of clutter is one way to stop attracting pesky rodents. There are many diseases that can be carried into your home by rats. These pests have been known to carry things like the plague, jaundice, rat-bite fever and salmonellosis just to name a few! They also have fleas or mites on their body which make them even more dangerous.
Store pots, pans, and dishes in cabinets with tight-fitting doors
Their instinct is to seek out a safe place to hide, don’t make it easy for them. To keep the pesky rodents from taking up residence in your kitchen, store pots and pans inside cabinets with tight fitting doors.
Eliminate holes or openings where rats can enter your home
Since rodents can enter your property with holes as small as a quarter it’s important to seal all entries. The CDC recommends, “Fill small holes with steel wool. Put caulk around the steel wool to keep it in place. Use lath screen or lath metal, cement, hardware cloth, or metal sheeting to fix large holes. These materials can be found at your local hardware store.”
Don't leave trash cans outside overnight - they are an open invitation to rodents!
Leave your trash cans indoors where they belong! Rodents will find a way into any open container and create more havoc than you can imagine.
Check for rat droppings - if you find any, call a pest control company to get rid of them
One of the last things you want to find in your home (or office) is rodent droppings or urine. Unlike cleaning up after your pets, rodent droppings can be dangerous to humans because certain rodents (including deer mice) can be carriers of hantaviruses. Be sure to wear protective gear when cleaning up after rodents. Spray a virucidal cleaner in areas you think were exposed to rodent waste; let the cleaner soak for five minutes. Use a disinfectant or bleach to mop your floors.
Call a
professional pest control company
to get rid of rodents. If left unchecked, rodents can make your home their own. When it comes to the health of you and your family, there's no room for error. That is why we here at Professional Pestguard will take care of all those pesky critters.
When the weather changes and it becomes colder outside, rodents may find their way into your home. They're looking for all that food you've got stocked up in case they need a quick bite or drink while staying warm inside! Taking preemptive steps to keeping them off your property is only the beginning.
Professional Pestguard is your one-stop shop for all things pest-related! With a team of knowledgeable technicians that are well trained in rodent behavior, we can identify the source and assist with keeping them out. We use carefully placed materials out of harm’s way to keep you and your family safe while eliminating the problem.
Our Rodent Control Service includes:
- Identification
- We'll identify and point out any entry points on your property that might be letting rodents in. Keep in mind, rodents can enter through a hole the size of a quarter!
- Trapping and Baiting Stations
- Our team of specialists will set traps or baiting stations around your property at key locations to ensure proper coverage.
- Removal
*- Our experts will return to your property and safely remove any trapped or dead rodents.
*Rodent removal fee applies per visit.
If you suspect rodents or other pests are making their way onto your property, act fast. Contact us today or submit an online request for a free quote on our
professional rat extermination
services.