Long Island Homeowners' Complete Guide To Effective Rodent Control

You have probably noticed that we have critters that come into our Long Island yards. Most of the time, they stay outside where they belong. Today, we're going to discuss three common rodents in Long Island that can become indoor pests that drive residents to contact Long Island pest control professionals.

Common Types Of Home-Invading Rodents In Long Island

It should come as no surprise that mice, rats, and squirrels are the three common types of rodents that get into man-made structures in Long Island. Here are a few facts you should know about these common rodents.

• Squirrels don't typically get into a home without a reason. They first find food sources around a home, such as nuts and birdseed, or they have easy access to the roof of a home by way of branches from nearby trees.

• Rats can get into homes and stay permanently but not all rats are prone to doing this. If Norway rats come into your yard (those are the brown ones) they may just stay in your yard under a pile of stuff, or live under your shed or back deck.

• Mice are skittish animals that don't prefer to be exposed. When they cross over your lawn to get to the landscaping near your home, or to explore underneath your deck, they're going to use objects in your yard for navigation, or for places to hide.

There is much we could tell you about squirrels, rats and mice but we kept it simple for the purpose of telling you how to effectively control rodents. Store these facts away; they're going to come up later.

Rodent Infestations Create Danger & Damage In Homes

When a squirrel, rat, or mouse gets into your Long Island home, it may damage your home as it does this. Rodents are equipped with strong teeth that can chew through wood, thin metal, and also wear away at concrete around a pipe. These facts are important to understand if you hope to keep rodents out. You should also be aware that rodents chew on wires. This can lead to a house fire. Let this be an inspiration to roll your sleeves up and do the hard work necessary to naturally control rodents.

Five Naturally Effective Rodent Prevention Tips For Around The House

We've discussed some key ways squirrels, rats, and mice behave, and we've looked at how they damage Long Island homes. Now, let's apply this information to rodent prevention.

Reduce Attractants

Rodents come into your yard for food and water. Pick fruit and nuts up from the ground regularly. Remove bird feeders or move them well away from your exterior. Address conditions that create puddles. Remove objects that capture rainwater. Get rid of objects that offer a hiding place.

Remove Harborage

Rats and mice can get under your deck and other structures. Use fencing material to prevent them from doing this. When you install fencing, be sure to insert it at least a foot below ground level to prevent ground rodents, like the Norway rat, from tunneling under.

Deter Access

It is fun to watch furry-tailed rodents in your yard but keep in mind that squirrels may damage your home and get into your home through roof vulnerabilities. Trim tree branches near your roofline. Roof rats and mice are excellent climbers as well. Along with trimming branches, put wire mesh in your downspouts to prevent these smaller rodents from getting up to your roof.

Seal Entry Points

Mice and rats are attracted to holes. Rats are big rodents, but they don't need a big hole. A full-sided rat can get through a hole the size of a quarter. Mice are tiny rodents and able to get through a hole the size of a dime. When you use a caulking gun to fill in holes and seal gaps, make sure to get the small holes, and keep in mind that mice and rats can make the tiniest of holes into holes that are large enough to pass through.

Bolster Your Defenses

When mice chew on wood, concrete, eaves, and siding, you may need to use greater measures to stop them. The materials for this job are metal flashing and hardware cloth.

Do you see how it works? When you roll your sleeves up, it is possible to deter and control rodents. If more control is needed, we recommend contacting a licensed professional for exclusions and the application of rodent stations.

The Best Method Of Rodent Control For Long Island Homes

At A&M Quality Pest Control, we can take the work of residential and commercial rodent control off your shoulders by sealing potential entry points. We can also use targeted control to reduce rodent activity around your home. Reach out to us anytime with questions, or to request service. We're here to help.