It’s one of the most iconic scenes in Christmas movie history - The Griswold family has gathered for Christmas and something is making a noise in the Christmas tree. Clark leans in for a closer look and, suddenly, a squirrel launches itself out of the tree and into the living room.
As comical as that scene is, it’s probably made more than a few people a bit wary of bringing a real tree into their home during the Christmas holiday. No one wants Christmas to be ruined by a wild animal they've accidentally brought in with the decorations.
Chances are, an animal that has taken up residence in a tree you cut down will rarely stay there long enough to make its way inside your home. It is much more likely that rodents will get into your Harford home in one of the more usual ways. Continue reading to learn how you can prevent a Griswold-esque scene from occurring in your home this holiday season.
Why Rodents Find Their Way into Your Home
Rodents, such as mice, rats, and squirrels, are highly motivated this time of year to find warm shelter. Hartford is getting cold, and your home is warm and dry and offers a plentiful food source. If rats or mice haven’t yet taken up residence indoors, they’re in danger of perishing during the winter, so they will be actively searching for any way possible into your house.
How Rodents Gain Access to Your Home
There are a few things on, in, and around your property that may attract rodents to your house:
- Food sources such as bird feeders or pet food welcome rodents to come near and feed.
- Outside garbage containers that are not tightly sealed are attractive to rodents.
- Rodents like to hide. Tall grasses, shrubbery, bushes, and rock walls encourage them to come near, so place this kind of landscaping near the outskirts of your property.
- Mice can squeeze through a space the size of a dime, and rats can fit through a space the size of a quarter. This means that any and all entry points around your house that have not been sealed will beckon rodents to seek entry.
- Inspect the perimeter of your home. Seal cracks in your foundation, and repair holes in your siding.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors, and add door sweeps to any exterior doors that don’t tightly close.
- Repair torn screens.
- Cover all vents and cap your chimney.
- Keep doors and windows closed, including garage doors, when not in use.
What to do if Rodents have Moved into Your Home
Once rodents make their way into your house, the game changes. It’s no longer enough to take preventative measures; you must eliminate the problem as quickly as you can.
Rodents may be cute and furry, but they are bad news once they gain access to your home. Rodents carry diseases, leave contaminated fecal waste behind, bring in parasites, damage property, and may create a fire hazard by chewing through electrical wiring.
Trying to eradicate rodents on your own can be both dangerous and ineffective. Rodents are good at hiding and often nest in the hard-to-reach areas of your home. Even if you succeed in capturing one or two, you’re unlikely to find them all.
American Pest Solutions has the expertise and equipment necessary to eradicate your entire rodent problem. We also possess the knowledge and experience needed to detect weak areas around your home where rodents may be gaining access. Identifying points of entry will help us to permanently eliminate your rodent problem.
Don’t let your holiday be ruined by a rodent invasion. Call American Pest Solutions and we’ll help rodent-proof your Hartford home.