Total Rodent Prevention Guide For Queen Creek Residents

The term rodent is almost synonymous with mice and rats because they're such common household pests. When we use this term, we're often referring to one of these two critters.

While squirrels are rodents, and they sometimes get into homes in Queen Creek, it is far less likely for them to do so. This is because squirrels don't mind being outside. In fact, they prefer it. Therefore, the guide we are sharing with you today will focus on mice and rats in Queen Creek and it will give you everything you need to know about how to keep these Arizona rodents out of your home.

What Attracts Rodents?

There are certain things that appeal to certain rodent species, but all rodents are attracted to the following things on this list. If you address these attractants, you'll reduce rodent activity in your yard.

• An open trash receptacle is a dinner invitation for rodents. Make sure all garbage is in covered containers and keep your containers free of strong odors.
• A puddle of water is a drinking hole. Address any conditions that allow rainwater to collect in your yard.
• Seeds, nuts, and fruit are dietary staples. Remove bird feeders and keep nuts and fruit picked up. If you have a garden, it is best to contact a licensed professional to keep rodents out through the deployment of traps.
• Clutter helps rodents get around. Mice and rats have poor eyesight. They use clutter to navigate. It is best to have a yard that is free of clutter if you want to reduce rodent activity.
• A pile of wood is the perfect place for a rodent to hide. Move wood piles and debris away from your home.
• Rodents can't avoid a void. If you have a void under a structure in your yard, use fencing material to protect it from rodent harborage.

How To Keep A Yard Rodent From Becoming A Household Pest

When you reduce attractants, you create a layer of protection. But know that removing attractants isn't going to be enough to stop all rodents from getting into your yard. So, how do you prevent random yard rodents from getting inside your home? It is a four-step process.

1. Inspect the exterior of your home and look for potential entry points or points of access. A rodent can get into your home through an opening the size of a quarter or even smaller. They will get in from the ground floor to the top of your roof and they will access your roof by way of branches, wires, and downspouts.
2. Use a caulking gun, expanding foam, and hardware cloth to seal openings. Pay close attention to gaps around utilities.  
3. Replace protective building materials. Tiny rodents, like house mice, can slip under a door or squeeze through a gap around your doors. Make sure all your doors have sweeps and replace weatherstripping that isn't providing a good seal. If you have window or door screens with holes or rips, repair or replace them. If you have unprotected vents (even up high) install covers.
4. Address access. Trim branches away from your roofline. Put wire mesh in downspouts to prevent tiny rodents from climbing up to your roof. If you have wires that connect to your exterior, you might need to apply something to prevent rodents from running across and getting onto your roof.