How To Keep Rodents Out Of Your St. George Home

Each year, approximately 21 million rodents invade U.S. homes during Fall and Winter. According to the National Pest Management Association, rodents are a significant risk to the health and property of people across the country. 

Prevention is the best course of action to keep your home and family safe from mice and rats, so we’ve put together this guide on keeping rodents out of your home in St. George.

Common Rodents in St. George

Rodents make up about 40% of the mammals on earth, but only a few of them are comfortable living alongside humans. These are the most common mice and rats in St. George to keep your eye out for. 

Norway Rats

• Also known as: Rattus novegicus; street rat; sewer rat.
• Appearance: stocky, large rats that are 12-18 inches long.
• Attracted to: basements, crawl spaces, foundations, and walls

Deer Mice

• Also known as: Peromyscus; white-footed mouse.
• Appearance: 2.5-4 inches long with round body and ears and white feet and belly.
• Attracted to: attics, basements, wall voids, storage boxes, and unused vehicles.

House Mice

• Also known as: Mus musculus
• Appearance: 2.5-4 inches long with pointed nose, protruding eyes, and a hairless ringed tail.
• Attracted to: dark, secluded areas, especially among clutter or near food storage.

Rodent Prevention in St. George

There are a wide variety of health risks and diseases associated with rodents, such as hantavirus, salmonella, rat-bite fever, and plague. Additionally rodents can carry fleas, ticks, and lice with them. 

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from these risks is to prevent rodent infestation in the first place. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take for rodent prevention.

Seal Any Entry Points

Rats can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter, while mice only need one the size of a dime. Sealing any cracks and holes to the outside, as well as space under and around doors, will make sure rodents don’t have a chance to enter.

Seal Away Food

One of the primary reasons rodents invade homes is to find food sources during seasons that natural resources dwindle. Open or unsealed containers of food, especially dry goods and grains, have the potential to attract mice and rats. Open or unattended pet food can also attract rodents, so it’s important to make your pet food supply airtight and keep food bowls clean. 

Adopt A Cat

Cats have been used as rodent control throughout history, from monasteries to family farms. Today, you’ll find lots of anecdotal evidence that cats still make great pest-hunters. 

During an in-depth study of rat colonies, researchers at Fordham University had their facility invaded by feral cats. Surprisingly, very few of the cats actually killed the rats. However, it’s clear that at the very least, a cat can use their enhanced senses to detect a rodent problem before you do.

Use Natural Repellants

If you’re trying to repel rodents from a confined space, there are some substances that can serve as natural repellents when you spray them on baseboards. What most of these have in common are a scent that will overwhelm rodents’ noses: 

• Pepper
• Peppermint Oil
• Tea Tree Oil
• Eucalyptus Oil

Set Up Traps

Traps are the most common and most effective way to capture invading rodents. Once you’ve determined the path rodents are likely to take, you can easily place traps and wait until the pests take the bait. 

When removing a rodent from a trap, always wear protective gloves. When using humane traps, keep in mind that rodents can use their heightened senses to easily find their way back if you release them close by.

Get Professional Rodent Control in St. George

If trapping rodents yourself sounds intimidating, don’t worry! A pest professional can provide rodent control that’s safe and effective so that you don’t have to lift a finger. And if you’re noticing multiple rodents or already facing an infestation, then it’s definitely time to call for reinforcements.

At Western Pest Control, we’ve got over a decade of experience with rodents in St. George. We’re proud to offer comprehensive rodent control, including exclusion work, to our neighbors so that you can keep your peace of mind and keep mice and rats out all year round.