At Manning's Pest Control, we've been helping homeowners keep their properties rodent-free for over 47 years. Our technicians have seen it all when it comes to rodent problems, and we've developed proven strategies to keep these pests at bay. Here are six professional-grade steps you can take to prevent mice and rats from making themselves at home in your house.
Step 1: Seal All Potential Entry Points
Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, while rats need only a quarter-sized gap to gain entry. This remarkable ability makes your home vulnerable in ways you might not expect.
Common entry points include:
- Gaps around utility pipes and vents
- Cracks in foundation walls
- Spaces under doors
- Holes in window screens
- Uncapped chimneys
- Roof vents and soffits
Action plan: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior. Use steel wool, caulk, hardware cloth, or metal flashing to seal openings. For larger gaps, consider expanding foam products specifically designed to deter rodents.
Remember that rodents are determined creatures with strong teeth—flimsy materials like plastic, rubber, or wood won't stop them for long. Our professional pest control services include comprehensive home assessments to identify and secure potential entry points you might miss.
Step 2: Eliminate Food Sources
Rodents are opportunistic foragers that will take advantage of any available food. Making your home less appetizing is crucial for prevention.
Effective food management strategies:
- Store all food in airtight glass or metal containers
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately
- Keep pet food in sealed containers and don't leave it out overnight
- Remove fruit that has fallen from trees in your yard
- Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and take trash out regularly
Even the smallest crumbs can attract mice and rats. Be especially vigilant in kitchens, dining areas, and anywhere food is consumed. Regular cleaning of these spaces will significantly reduce the risk of attracting rodents.
Step 3: Remove Water Sources
Like all living creatures, rodents need water to survive. Eliminating access to water makes your property less hospitable.
Water management tips:
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets promptly
- Address drainage issues around your foundation
- Don't leave pet water bowls out overnight
- Keep birdbaths and water features away from the house
- Check for condensation issues in crawl spaces
Proper crawl space encapsulation can significantly reduce moisture problems that attract rodents. Our professionals can assess your crawl space and recommend appropriate solutions to keep it dry and unattractive to pests.
Step 4: Reduce Potential Hiding Places
Rodents prefer environments that provide cover and nesting materials. Eliminating these opportunities makes your property less inviting.
Indoor and outdoor strategies:
- Keep storage areas organized and items off the floor
- Remove piles of newspapers, cardboard, and other paper products
- Trim vegetation away from your home's foundation (at least 18 inches)
- Store firewood elevated and away from structures
- Remove yard debris, leaf piles, and overgrown areas
- Keep grass trimmed short, especially near the house
Consider how you store items in garages, attics, and basements. Use plastic storage bins with secure lids instead of cardboard boxes, which can provide both shelter and nesting material for rodents.
Step 5: Deploy Natural Deterrents
For those who prefer natural solutions, several options can help discourage rodents without harsh chemicals.
Natural deterrent options:
- Peppermint oil (soak cotton balls and place in problem areas)
- Used cat litter (if you have a cat, place small amounts near entry points)
- Plant mint, sage, or rosemary around your home's perimeter
- Ultrasonic repellers (though results vary)
- Owl boxes to attract natural predators
While these methods can provide additional protection, they work best as part of a comprehensive strategy rather than stand-alone solutions. Natural deterrents are excellent supplements to proper exclusion and sanitation practices.
Step 6: Know When to Call the Professionals
Despite your best prevention efforts, rodents are persistent creatures. Recognizing the signs of an infestation early allows for faster and more effective intervention.
Warning signs of rodent presence:
- Droppings (small, dark pellets)
- Gnaw marks on food packages or structures
- Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, especially at night
- Nests made of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation
- Musky odors
- Visible rodents (indicating a significant infestation)
At Manning's Pest Control, we specialize in effective rodent control. Our integrated approach includes:
- Thorough property inspection and identification
- Strategic trap placement
- Exclusion services to seal entry points
- Removal of existing rodents
- Ongoing monitoring and prevention
- Safe, targeted treatments when necessary
Our technicians are trained to identify the specific rodent species affecting your home and implement the most effective control strategies for your situation. We use humane methods and focus on long-term prevention rather than just addressing the immediate problem.
The Manning's Pest Control Advantage
When it comes to rodent control in Brunswick County, experience matters. Since 1976, we've been helping homeowners protect their properties from pests of all kinds. Our customers appreciate our attention to detail, professional service, and commitment to solving their pest problems completely.
As George Bond, our owner with over 33 years of pest control experience, says: "We answer phones and call people back. We show up on time. We also respond to all service requests within hours."
Don't wait until you have a full-blown infestation. Taking preventive steps now can save you from the stress, property damage, and health concerns associated with rodent problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rodent Control
What diseases can rats and mice spread?
Rodents can spread numerous diseases through direct contact, bites, or exposure to their droppings and urine. These include hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever. They also bring in ticks, fleas, and mites that can transmit additional diseases. Professional rodent control helps protect your family's health by eliminating these disease vectors.
How do I know if I have mice or rats?
Mice and rats leave different signs of infestation. Mice droppings are small (about the size of rice grains) while rat droppings are larger (about the size of raisins). Rats tend to follow established pathways along walls, leaving grease marks, while mice are more exploratory. Rats make louder scratching noises and can cause more significant damage. Our technicians can identify which rodent species is present and implement the appropriate control strategies.
Are snap traps or glue traps better for catching mice?
Both snap traps and glue traps have their applications, but neither should be your only approach to rodent control. Snap traps can be more humane when properly placed and checked regularly. Glue traps are most effective in contained areas where rodents are known to travel. However, comprehensive rodent control requires more than just trapping—it requires addressing entry points and attractants as outlined in our 6-step approach.
How long does it take to get rid of a rodent infestation?
The timeline for eliminating rodents depends on several factors, including the severity of the infestation, the size of your property, and how well exclusion measures are implemented. Generally, you should see significant improvement within 1-3 weeks with professional treatment, but complete elimination may take longer. Our ongoing prevention programs ensure long-term protection against re-infestation.
Will sealing entry points trap rodents inside my home?
This is a valid concern. Professional rodent control always includes a strategy to remove existing rodents before sealing entry points. At Manning's, we typically implement trapping programs first, then move to exclusion once we've confirmed the removal of the current population. This methodical approach prevents the problems associated with trapping rodents within your walls or structure.
Ready to protect your home from mice and rats? Contact Manning's Pest Control today for a comprehensive rodent prevention assessment. Our experienced technicians serve Southport, Wilmington, and surrounding areas with professional, reliable pest control solutions.