The last thing any homeowner wants to find is a rodent in their home. However, rodent infestations are common and can occur for a variety of reasons. While pest control can help address the problem after it develops, here's how to reduce your risk of an infestation in the first place.

Why Do Rodents Make Their Way Into Homes?

1. Food

Rodents are voracious eaters, and they're certainly not picky. If you frequently feed your dog outdoors, rodents may be attracted to the food and water dish. The same can happen if you place your trash outside your home near an entrance. After finding these food sources, mice and rats will most likely venture inside to search for more. To minimize this problem, bring food dishes back indoors after feeding, and always place trash cans far away from your home. 

2. Water

Like food, rats and mice will often search for water around the home. Their keen senses allow them to sniff out water in the most unlikely sources, such as leaking plumbing. If you know you have a leak in your home, fix it promptly to avoid pests. If you're not sure, check your water bill. Steadily increasing costs usually indicate a hidden leak somewhere, especially if your usage hasn't changed. 

3. Accessible Entry Points 

Mice and rats can squeeze into incredibly small spaces. Tiny gaps around doors and defects in your foundation might be enough to allow a curious rodent to make its way into your home, at which point it can get to your kitchen or other food sources. They can even make their way through openings in your roof if they end up scaling nearby trees. If you notice gaps in weatherstripping around doors, repair them immediately. Keep your trees trimmed and neat to prevent a path to your home, and if you know you have a cracked foundation, schedule repairs immediately to minimize potential entry points for rodents. 

If you've found rodents in your home, turn to Central Tennessee Termite & Pest Control in Cookeville, TN. They have helped local homeowners maintain clean, comfortable homes for over two decades. They're also proud to have won First Place in Pest Control in the Upper Cumberland area in the 2019 Herald-Citizen Readers' Choice Awards. Learn more about their pest control services by visiting the website. You can also call (931) 526-2033 to schedule an appointment 24/7.