If you’re dealing with a rodent infestation, implementing proper rodent proofing is just as important as removal. After all, it won’t matter if you get rid of the rodents if you don’t do anything to ensure they don’t come back. Rodent proofing ensures you won’t face the same problem again a few weeks or months later.
However, handling this important task on your own isn’t always the right choice. Here are some common DIY rodent-proofing mistakes that you can avoid by going with the professionals instead.
1. Misjudging Rodent Access Points
One of the reasons that rodent infestations are such a widespread problem is that rodents are incredibly effective at gaining access to your home. Most people underestimate this capability, overlooking entry points that rodents can easily pass through.
The size of these openings is one factor you shouldn’t overlook. Most rats can squeeze through an opening the size of a quarter, and mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime. Even if a hole doesn’t look large enough at first glance, it could very well let rodents into your home.
Various cracks and gaps that don’t seem to lead anywhere are also potential entry points. Gaps in siding, on roofing, and around utility lines can let rodents work their way into your home. Improper sealing around vents and other fixtures is another prime example of an ideal rodent entry point.
2. Using the Wrong Materials
Suppose that you have been able to identify all of the potential rodent entry points. There’s still the challenge of effectively sealing them. Rodent proofing requires solutions that work not just today but also far into the future, so picking the right materials and applying them properly is key.
Foam sealants might keep drafts out, but they put up little resistance for most rodents. Rats and mice can make quick work of foam, chewing right through. The same is true for many plastic materials — especially plastic meshes.
Various options, such as galvanized steel mesh, are much better suited. They can resist chewing, keeping out rodents for good. These are great for larger openings, which can then be filled with additional material to prevent drafts. For smaller gaps, options such as steel wool can fill the space permanently.
3. Overlooking Exterior Maintenance
Sealing entry points is the most important element of rodent proofing. However, it’s not the only step to keeping rodents out of your home. Keeping up with exterior maintenance can help prevent infestations if new entry points become available in the future.
Keeping a neatly trimmed yard and garden can help deter rodents from poking around your home. Tall brush, yard clutter, piles of leaves, and other debris can provide shelter for rodents. As they explore the area, they’ll quickly find any potential entry points to your warm and comfortable home.
Cleaning the gutters is one of the most important aspects of home maintenance to prevent rodent infestation. Many of the most common potential entry points are around your attic. Clean gutters are less likely to attract rodents and will also deprive them of potential nesting materials.
4. Not Using Proper Containers for Food
A common mistake when trying to keep rodents away from your home is forgetting to use the right types of storage containers. After all, rodents are more likely to nest in your property if they can gain easy access to desirable items. Whether that’s food or nesting materials, you want to ensure you don’t make it easy for them.
Going with plastic containers is often the best and simplest solution. This is one of the most flexible choices because you can find plastic storage containers that fit into various areas. Whether you’re keeping old clothing in your attic or storing food in your pantry, plastic storage containers keep rodents out very well and mask any scents that might attract them.
These containers are also quite easy to work with. Many types are stackable, allowing you to store more items in smaller spaces. This means you can be more efficient with your storage while making it harder for rodents to find food or nesting materials.
5. Relying Solely on DIY Methods
A common mistake that homeowners make when rodent-proofing is trying to handle it all themselves. It might seem cost-effective at first to try to deal with rodents on your own. However, you may find yourself with less-than-satisfactory results.
Most homeowners lack the expertise required to deal with rodent infestations. If you’re looking into rodent proofing, take a moment to consider whether you’re sure the infestation has been dealt with. How do you know there aren’t still rodents in your home?
Ensuring a comprehensive approach is also difficult for homeowners to handle on their own. It takes only one entry point to allow an infestation to take hold. You might be able to track down visible holes and gaps, but many more may be hidden.
The Benefits of Professional Rodent Proofing
Instead of tackling rodent proofing on your own, consider going with the professionals. Doing so provides a variety of benefits.
First, you can know that you’re getting professional results. Instead of worrying about recurrent infestations, you’ll know your home is truly secured against mice, rats, and other rodents. At Attic Projects, our rodent proofing service comes with an industry-leading 10-year warranty to ensure that you are fully protected against any future infestations.
The technology and techniques that professionals have access to are much more effective than DIY solutions. They’re longer lasting, have a more discreet and neater appearance, and are simply better at keeping rodents out.
Professionals also have the training and protective equipment to work in areas that have been infested. Rodents carry many diseases and leave harmful droppings. Leaving it to the professionals ensures that everyone stays safe.
Rodent Proofing Your Home the Right Way
If you want peace of mind knowing that your home is protected against rodent infestation, you should leave rodent proofing to the professionals at Attic Projects. Reach out today to have our experts put the latest best practices to work keeping rodents out of your home.
