Keeping Your Home Free of Rodents: Proactive Steps You Can Take in Kansas City

Rodents are more than just a nuisance because they can present a health hazard. They can transmit different diseases such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, and tularemia. Thus, you should take proactive measures to prevent a rodent infestation. Professional pest control in Kansas City protects your house from all types of pests and ensures your family is safe. Below are steps you can take to keep your home rodent-free:

Get Rid of Access Points

Rodents are intelligent creatures. They know where to find possible entry points from the outside, using even tiny openings. To ensure they don’t gain entry to your house, install screens on windows, vents, and chimneys. Also, consider putting sweeps at the bottom of each door in your house. To ensure you can address any openings, examine your house for cracks and holes, especially where cables or pipes enter your home. Use caulk to seal these openings. Additionally, make sure to inspect the roof for openings like loose shingles. Cap off your chimney every time you do not use the fireplace.

Homes that are made of bricks or stones have uneven surfaces that rodents can easily climb. Typically, vertical pipes near homes are also climbable. To prevent these climbers from accessing your home, paint exterior surfaces and pipes with high gloss paint at a minimum of 3 feet from the ground.

Store Food Properly

Any unprotected food will attract rodents to your kitchen. So, store food in airtight containers to prevent rodents from nibbling through packages and cardboard boxes. Food should not be left out in the sink or on the counter. Lastly, ensure you take out trash every day and garbage cans are emptied regularly.

Look for Standing Moisture

Standing water will offer rodents a useful water source in your house. Such moisture can be a health hazard itself because it can breed mildew and mold. Examine your home for clogged drains and leaky pipes. Get rid of possible water sources for pests.

Maintain Your Landscaping

Tall grass and shrubbery must be trimmed from your home. This way, you can see the area surrounding the foundation. This helps keep rodents at bay and make sure you have a great view of possible problem areas. Ensure tree branches do not hang near or over your house and get rid of vines from your home’s exterior. Rodents will use them as a ladder to get to the attic or upper stories. Wood piles must be kept at least 20 feet from your home because they can be a safe harbor for rodents.

Contact a Pest Control Expert

If you think you have a rodent issue despite your efforts, contact a pest control service provider. A rodent exterminator can catch rodents in your house and identify possible entry points. This way, you can avoid issues in the future. Rodent nesting materials and droppings must be handled carefully. Make sure to wear a face mask and gloves and address it with wet cleaning methods. This prevents airborne viruses from being stirred up.