How To Protect Your House Against Winter Rodents

Long gone are sunny days and hot summer nights.  As fall comes to a close and winter creeps in, many of us will be turning up the heat, putting on our favorite sweaters, and staying inside, all in an effort to stay warm.  Guess who else is trying to do the same?  Winter rodents!  Mice, rats, and other rodents will be looking for a new place to live that will protect them from harsh winter conditions and the last place you want them to come is your home! 

Home One Services, located in Lancaster PA, has seen firsthand what can happen to homes that do not protect themselves against winter rodents.  Our contractors have worked on houses with damage to gutters, drywall, trim, molding, doors, windows, and many other areas of a home where rodents try to find an entry point or create nests.  The list of things that may need to be repaired or replaced because rodents can grow quickly.  If you need a handyman to help repair areas of damage in your house, Home One Services can help.  With that said, we would like to help you prevent this from happening in the first place! 

Continue reading to learn more about what you need to do in order to protect your house against winter rodents!

The first place that you should start is outside.  Make sure that you have one last go-around with landscaping around your home.  Thin out any hedges or bushes, get rid of any leaf piles, and clear away any fallen branches or twigs.  If you have a stockpile of wood, make sure it is raised off the ground and stored as far away from your home as possible.  It is also a good idea to clear out your gutters and downspouts.  When the temperature drops, rodents will use these areas as temporary homes before trying to gain entry to your warm and cozy house.

Mice, rats, and other small rodents are first going to find a path of entry into your home.  They are often small enough to gain access through various areas in your home, including gaps in your siding, holes on exterior walls, exposed spots around doors or windows, and even cracks in your foundation!  Examine all of these areas for vulnerabilities and ensure they are secured.  Mesh wiring can be installed, cracks can be caulked and openings can be secured.  If you have areas of your home that you need to safeguard, our contractors can assist with repairing or replacing siding, gutters, windows, doors, and other potential points of entry.

Once you feel the exterior of your home is taken care of, and points of entry are secured, there are several steps you can take inside your home to protect against winter rodents.

• Once rodents find a warm place to live, the next thing they will be looking for is a meal.  Make sure any food in your home is secured and stored correctly.  Try to use glass or hard plastic containers.  This also goes for any pet food that you have in your home.

• Remove any clutter from around your home.  Piles of boxes, stacks of newspaper, and other things waiting to be recycled make for a great hiding spot.  Clear out your garage, basement, or attic and get rid of any junk or items you do not need or use anymore.  Even piles of clothing and laundry can create a home for rodents.

• After food, rodents will also be looking for water.  Make sure to eliminate any water source that may tempt a rodent.  Check for leaks from sinks, toilets, and other piping around your home and fix them immediately.  This also goes for any water that may leak into your home from the exterior.  Snow and ice that melts and thaws can leak into your house and cause damage and quench the thirst of any rodents that are around.

Home One Services can assist in many different ways to help prepare your home, so that it is protected from winter rodents.  Whether a job is big or small, we are here to help.  Everything from needing a handyman to help repair doors, windows, and other entry points to complete renovations like kitchens where you can get new cabinets to store your food. 

Home One Services has helped many clients in Lancaster PA and the surrounding area.  Call us today at 717-581-3474 to see how we can help you!