Simple Rodent Control Tips Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using putty, steel wool, or a combination of both. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of trash regularly. Keep attics, basements and basements well ventilated and dry. Corner posts in your home are used to cover corners on the outside of your home where siding intersects, while J-channels are placed around doors and windows on the outside of your home to hide the ends of the vinyl siding.
Because corner posts are often hollow, mice and rats can easily climb up the side of the house through these hollow posts. Similarly, the spaces between the j channels and the siding of your home are usually spacious enough that mice and other small rodents can work their way behind the siding and eventually reach your home or walls. To prevent rodents from entering your home through corner posts, you can use steel wool or copper mesh pads to secure any space. To seal the openings in the J-channels, use silicone putty.
Good cleaning helps keep insects away, especially in the kitchen where food crumbs can accumulate. Empty trash cans regularly and vacuum weekly. Don't forget to clean the kitchen sink and bathtub drains; drain flies will live there and fly out in search of food. Use a drain cleaner regularly to prevent these pests from becoming a problem.
Avoid piles of magazines, newspapers and boxes. Cockroaches love to hang out in them. John Burke, owner of Burke Pest Control in Binghamton, has seen a dramatic increase in the number of rodent calls his business has received over the past three years, particularly calls to eliminate rats. Whether you're in the middle of a battle with rodents or want to prevent an infestation from occurring, rodent protection is essential to protecting your home.
