Rodents are always on the lookout for shelter, food and nesting grounds. If your home is warm, cluttered and easily accessible, there's a good chance that rodents will attempt to invade at some point. The good news is that you can prevent such an invasion by recognizing the telltale signs of an infestation and securing your dwelling thoroughly.

What Attracts Them?

Rodents want what people want: a place to call their own, a good supply of food and protection from the elements. They also have a preference for clutter and debris because these things obscure their presence. If they remain unseen and undisturbed, they will move freely around the home and quickly expand their nesting sites. This is what leads to infestations.

How to Detect an Infestation?

There are many species of rodents that enjoy taking up residence in family homes, and they have different behavioral patterns. Nevertheless, if you want to see if you're sharing your home with rodents, you'll have to do a thorough walk-through. Look for droppings, small pools of urine and gnaw marks on items, such as the kitchen cabinets, furniture, food containers and electrical wires. Some rodents leave behind greasy smears when they squeeze through small holes and tight spaces. They also have a musky odor that tends to intensify when they remain in a particular area. Pets, especially dogs and cats, are highly perceptive and attentive. Therefore, if your four-legged companion is barking and clawing at the wall more often than usual, there may be a family of rodents in there.

What are the Most Effective Ways to Reclaim Your Home?

Once pesky rodents find a way into your home and start munching on your food, you're going to have trouble getting them to leave. That's why the key is to be proactive and not complacent. Keeping rodents at bay requires eliminating the things that draw their attention. You should start with the food in your home. Make sure to close cereal boxes and similar items all the way. After eating a meal, take the time to throw away any leftovers that you don't want, and get in the habit of taking out the trash on a regular basis.

Cleanliness is highly important. Rodents can't stand the sight of spotless floors, and they don't like the strong scent of cleaning products. With this in mind, don't hesitate to give your home a good, thorough cleaning. By removing the clutter, you not only will force the rodents to reveal their hideouts, but you also will get to see where they are coming from. Their trails will lead you straight to the entry points that they are using. Any holes you find will need to be patched up at once. If there's considerable damage in the attic or basement, it would be in your best interest to hire a professional to resolve the problem.

Leave the Heavy Lifting to the Professionals

If you would like to save your energy and give this job to someone else, all you have to do is contact My Pest Pros. Your pest control needs will be addressed to your complete satisfaction.