Rats and mice scampering around freely in a home or garden is every homeowner’s nightmare. These pests not only nibble anything they find, but also carry a lot of diseases. They multiply at a rapid pace and you might end up with a full blown rodent infestation, that is difficult to get rid of. Rats and mice are very adaptable and can survive in any environment – so you have to make sure that you are not inviting them into your home and garden unintentionally. Here are some things you should avoid doing, to keep away these persistent pests:
Don’t leave food uncovered
Rats and mice enter your home to find food. Food which is left uncovered, small crumbs and particles of food is a feast for them. Areas where you prepare, cook and eat your food should be thoroughly swept or vacuumed and wiped down so that rodents do not find any food. They can thrive on raw or cooked food, so keep all food stored in secured containers.
If they find food easily, they will make nests in your home. One of the methods to get rid of them is by using a natural mouse repellent, which is harmless for you and your family.
Food which attracts rats and mice in your home and garden
Rats are avid meat and fish consumers while mice prefer fruits, seeds and grains. They eat pet food, (dog and cat both) so never leave your pet’s food bowl with food or leftover food in it on the ground. You might have found garments and leather which have been chewed through. This is because they eat anything which taste or smell like food. Secure the trash can as they eat what you throw out.
Salt is a major attraction, and they love to nibble on salty food – they probably like your crisps as much as you do!
Rats and mice feed on plants, such as weeds and grass, small twigs and tree bark. They even raid your garden shed to eat the bird seed or grass/flower seeds you have stored.
De-clutter your home and garden
Rats and mice find cluttered living areas and gardens with weeds and tall grass ideal conditions to build a nest. Remove all unused objects in your home inside which they can nest. A tidy lawn is not attractive to rats and mice, as there is no corner to hide. Keep things off the floor and try to store everything in containers, cartons or trunks in the attic. Dense shrubbery also attracts rodents and you’d never know that there are rat and mice nests underneath your hedge.
Sanitize past infestations
If your home has been infested by rodents earlier, and nesting material or familiar scents are there in your home, then they are a major attraction for rodents. You can sanitize your home with a natural mouse repellent, so that the ‘mouse’ scent is gone.
Act quickly if you see even one rodent, so that you do not end up with hundreds of them. Following these few tips will keep your home free from rats and mice, thus creating a healthy living environment.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
