Rodents can be more than just a nuisance; they pose serious health risks and can cause significant damage to your home. The best way to avoid these issues is to prevent rodents from entering your house in the first place. To do this, learning how to keep rodents out of your house starts with sealing entry points, removing food sources, and maintaining a clean environment.

By taking these proactive steps, you can keep your home rodent-free and protect your family from the dangers these pests bring—this is the foundation of effective rodent prevention for homeowners. 

Seal Entry Points

Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so it’s crucial to seal any gaps or cracks around your home, one of the most reliable ways to prevent rodents from entering your house. Here’s how:

• Inspect Your Home:  Check your home’s foundation, walls, and roof for any holes or cracks. Pay special attention to areas where utility lines enter your home. 

• Seal Gaps:  Use steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh to fill any gaps or holes. Rodents can chew through many materials, but steel wool combined with caulk is an effective deterrent. 

• Install Door Sweeps:  Make sure exterior doors are properly sealed by installing door sweeps to close gaps beneath doors. 

Eliminate Food Sources

Rodents are always on the lookout for food, and if they find it in your home, they’ll be more likely to stay. Proper food storage is essential if you want to keep mice out of your house, since even small crumbs can attract them indoors. To eliminate food sources:

• Store food properly:  Keep all food, including pet food, in airtight containers. Avoid leaving food out on counters or tables. 
• Clean regularly:  Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and clean up spills immediately. Don’t forget to regularly clean under appliances. 
• Take out the trash:  Use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid and take out the garbage regularly, especially if it contains food waste. 

Maintain a Clean Environment

A cluttered environment provides hiding spots for rodents. Keeping your home and yard clean can deter them from settling in. 

• Declutter:  Reduce clutter in your home, especially in basements, attics, and garages where rodents like to nest. 
• Yard maintenance:  Keep your yard clean by regularly mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and removing debris like leaf piles or wood stacks. 
• Secure storage:  Store firewood, lumber, and other materials away from your home and at least 18 inches off the ground. 

Set Up Deterrents

In addition to sealing entry points and removing attractants, consider using deterrents to keep rodents away. 

• Use traps:  Set up traps in areas where rodents are likely to enter, such as near baseboards or in the attic. 
• Employ natural repellents:  Peppermint oil, ammonia, and vinegar are known to repel rodents. Place soaked cotton balls in areas where rodents might enter. 
• Install ultrasonic devices:  These devices emit sounds that are unpleasant to rodents but undetectable to humans, helping to keep them away. 

Contact Hopper Termite & Pest Today

Preventing rodents from entering your home is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. By sealing entry points, eliminating food sources, keeping your home and yard clean, and setting up deterrents, you can significantly reduce the risk of a rodent infestation. If you’re dealing with a rodent problem or want to ensure your home is protected, Hopper Termite & Pest is here to help.

We believe homeowners deserve a pest control partner that does things the right way. Safe methods, proven prevention, and solutions that actually last. With offices in Springdale and Mountain Home, Arkansas, we offer comprehensive pest control services, including effective rodent control solutions. Contact us today at our Springdale office (479) 750-4070 or Mountain Home office (870) 425-4122 to schedule an inspection or learn about how we can assist you.