How to keep rodents and mice away. Courtesy of Canva

How to keep rodents and mice away.

Credit: Courtesy of Canva

National Rodent Awareness week started Oct. 19 and while we didn’t really know that was a thing, it’s time to start thinking about ways to deter the critters and keep them out for good.

Here’s what to know:

 

Rodents and mice love colder weather

With Georgia’s hot weather coming to an end (thanks goodness), there’s a natural decrease in insect activity, but an increase in rodent and mouse activity.

This is due to the weather change, with cooler, more brisk temperatures replacing humid days. And just like us, rodents and mice will look for somewhere to get warmer and your house could be the perfect spot for them to call home.

Of course, a good meal is on their list, too. But that’s not all.

If you see more rodents and mice than usual around your home, there could be several other reasons why they are sticking around.

According to Purcor Pest Solutions, the reasons could be “extensive:”

“From clutter and poorly sealed trash cans to overgrown trees and bushes, rats and mice use a variety of methods to invade unsuspecting households.”

Rodents, no matter how small, can create a huge mess and major damage, so it’s best to make a plan and get them out before it’s too late.

So, how can you get rid of the pests for good? Follow these tips:

 

How to keep rodents and mice away

If you see mice or rats inside your home, Purcor Pest Solutions suggests securing all access points.

“Rats and mice can fit into holes about the size of a quarter and chew through most material to create a hole big enough to squeeze through,” said Purcor experts. Look around and secure cracks or holes near windows, doors and be sure to look high up on your walls, too.

However, other experts say that your trash could be the problem.

“Winter wildlife are comprised of omnivores, which means these animals will eat just about anything,” Bug House Pest Control experts said. “Deter unwanted pests by tightly securing trash can lids, avoiding overfilling containers, and washing bins regularly to dislodge errant food waste.”

In addition, here are more tips from the CDC:

  • Clean up spilled food right away. Wash dishes and cooking utensils soon after use.
  • Put pet food away after use. Do not leave food or water bowls out overnight.
  • Keep outside cooking areas and grills clean.
  • Keep composting bins at least 100 feet from your house.
  • Keep bird feeders away from the house and use squirrel guards to limit access to the feeder by squirrels and other rodents.
  • Keep grains and animal feed in thick plastic or metal containers with tight lids.
  • Dispose of abandoned vehicles or move them more than 100 feet from your home.
  • Clean up brush and weeds around your home. Keep grass and shrubbery within 100 feet of your home well-trimmed.

Do you have any secrets for keeping the rodents away? Share them in the comments below or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Macon Telegraph.

Tags: Georgia  rodents  mice  cold weather  weather  pest control