It's the middle of the night and you hear something scurrying around in your backyard. You lay in bed, wide awake, wondering what it could be. Is it a rat? A mouse? Some other kind of rodent? And then you remember—your neighbor has been dealing with a rodent problem for weeks now. Great. Just great.
Don't worry—we're here to help. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to prevent your neighbor's rodent problem from spreading into your home.
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1. Let Your Neighbor Know About the Rodent Problem
Keep in mind that your neighbor might not even know they have a rodent infestation. Sometimes people can be so busy that it’s easy for them not to notice pest activity around their homes. Additionally, rodents often come out after dark, so if your neighbors aren’t out after sundown, they might not see rats or mice scampering around their yards.
If you’ve been spotting signs of rodents around your neighbor’s property, it’s a good idea to let them know what you’ve been seeing (droppings, signs of gnawing, actual rodents, etc.). That way your neighbor has a chance to tackle the problem and prevent an infestation from growing.
2. Seal Off Any Openings Into Your Home
While your neighbor handles the rodent issue on their property, you also want to take steps to keep your own home rodent-free. The first thing you need to do is make sure that there are no openings around your home that rodents can use to get inside. This includes dime-size cracks in your foundation, gaps around doors and windows, and any other openings you can think of. If you find any openings, close them up with caulk or another sealant.
In some cases, you’ll want to consult a professional to help rodent-proof your home, particularly in hard-to-reach areas around your roof. Rodent removal experts will have the materials and training to seal off gaps correctly that you might otherwise miss.
3. Keep Your Home and Yard Clean and Clutter-free
The next thing you need to do is make sure your home is clean and free of clutter. Rodents love nothing more than a good hiding place, so the cleaner and more organized your home is, the less likely it is that rodents will want to move in. Make sure to vacuum regularly—especially where you eat—and keep food stored in airtight containers.
In your yard, trim back overgrown shrubs and bushes, and make sure that no tree branches are growing up against your home. Rodents can use trees as ladders to get into your roof and attic.
4. Don't Give The Rodents Anything To Eat
Avoid providing rodents with a food source by accident. This means making sure all food for humans and pets is stored properly and keeping garbage sealed up tight. Only leave food out for your pets during mealtimes, and clear it away afterward. You may also want to remove any birdfeeders from your property, as rodents love to eat the seeds. If rodents can't find anything to eat around your home, they'll be less likely to stay after visiting.
Expert Rat and Mice Removal in North Carolina
No one wants to deal with a rodent problem—especially when it's not even your own problem to begin with. But if your neighbor has a mouse or rat issue, it's important to take steps to prevent those rodents from moving into your home as well. At Sage Pest Control, we offer rodent control and prevention services in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, and surrounding areas.
Schedule your rat and mouse control appointment by calling (704) 413-3398.