With fall comes cooler weather and the promise of even colder weather come winter. This is prime time for mice to start infiltrating homes in Donnelly, McCall, and Boise, ID. Right on cue, our team has been getting increased calls from homeowners north of Boise in McCall and Donnelly who are having problems with significant mice activity.
With the colder weather upon us, it makes sense that mice are venturing indoors to get warm, feed, and breed. If you are noticing droppings in your house or garage, you need to take care of it before it becomes a serious health issue. For that, enlist the help of your trusted McCall and Donnelly pest control company.
Be Smart About Trash Cans
Rodents are always on the look-out for food, and one of the first places they will look is in trash cans. This is why it’s so important to keep your trash cans clean and sealed. Take out the garbage often, and don’t leave trash cans right next to your home.
Trim Back Tree Limbs
If you have any tree limbs that are overhanging your roof, trim them back. You don’t want to give rodents a free ride onto your roof, vents, and chimney. Thinking about planting new trees? Don’t place them near your home.
Keep Firewood Away From the House
Stacked firewood is a great home for mice, so don’t put those stacks right up against your house. Elevate the wood onto a shelf so it doesn’t come in contact with the ground, which subsequently reduces the chances of wood-destroying insects setting up shop. Keep your firewood covered with tarps, as carpenter ants are attracted to wet firewood.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Clogged gutters cause water to backflow, which can damage the eaves and roof of your home. Water damage can also create holes that are just big enough for rodents to chew through.
Seal Gaps Around the Exterior
Inspect the exteriors of your home to fill gaps to keep rodents out. Keep in mind that mice only need a ¼-inch opening to get inside your home, while rats only need 1/2 inch.
Repair Screens on Attic Vents
You may not be aware that your attic/gable vents don’t have screens on them or that they have holes. These screens serve an important purpose, and that is to prevent mice, squirrels, and bats from getting inside. In the same vein, make sure your dryer vents and exhaust fan vents are screened. Mice are drawn to the warmth your dryer provides, so be sure to cover these areas.
Put a Cap on Your Chimney
Pests such as rodents, birds, bats, and raccoons can gain entry into your home via an open chimney. It’s bad enough if they successfully get into your home, but it’s even worse if they get stuck in there and die. You can prevent this by investing in a chimney cap.
Put Door Sweeps on Exterior Doors
Sweeps, placed at the bottom along your doors, prevent cold air, insects, and rodents from getting into your home.
Store Pet Food in Sealed Containers
Many pet owners keep the food stored in the same bag in which it was purchased. However, once opened, you should store it in a sealed hard plastic container to prevent nibbling from unwanted mice.
Contact Eco Pest Control for Mice Problems in the Boise Area
Have you been noticing rodent droppings in your home, attic, or garage? The time to act is now. To get a free quote and to set up an inspection with our McCall exterminators, at 208-600-8734.
