PNW Home Rodent Prevention Checklist

Unwanted guests of the furry variety can wreak havoc on our homes, posing health risks and causing damage to property. To fortify your home against these invaders, adopting a proactive approach is paramount. Our comprehensive Rodent Prevention Checklist is your go-to guide for implementing effective and straightforward measures to keep mice and rats at bay.

Another resource you might enjoy is our guide to DIY rodent treatment.

Why is Rodent Control Important?

Rodents are not just a nuisance; they can carry diseases, contaminate food, and cause structural damage. Taking preventive steps is the key to maintaining a healthy and secure home environment.

What Does Our Checklist Cover?

From the kitchen to the garage, and even outdoor areas like gardens and compost bins, our checklist leaves no corner untouched. This meticulously curated guide provides actionable steps for sealing entry points, reducing hiding spots, and employing strategic measures in each area of your home.

Our service area is also comprehensive! If you’re in Seattle or the surrounding areas, we’ve got you covered. View our full service area.

Kitchen Rodent Checklist :

The kitchen one of the most important areas on our Rodent prevention checklist. By removing food sources, you’re eliminating one of the primary reasons rodents are attracted to your home.

☐ Secure Food Storage:

Create a rodent-resistant pantry by using airtight containers for grains, cereals and other dry goods. Seal pet food in secure containers to eliminate potential food sources. Regularly clean up crumbs and spills to minimize attractants.

☐ Limit Access to Water:

Prevent water-related attractions by promptly fixing leaks and wiping down sinks and countertops. This step not only deters rodents but also enhances overall kitchen hygiene.

☐ Regular Cleaning:

Maintain a spotless kitchen by sweeping and mopping floors regularly. Cleaning under appliances eliminates hiding spots, reducing the risk of rodent infestation.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget those hard to reach places – under your fridge, oven, and the bottom of the pantry. While we can’t fit, tiny home invaders are more than happy to enjoy your scraps!

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Bathroom pest checklist:

While it may surprise you, bathrooms are frequently identified as entry points for pests in homes. Unlike other rooms, bathrooms often have multiple direct lines to the exterior of the home. In a common bathroom setup, there are various components that can provide access:

• Water Pipes: A ‘full’ bathroom typically involves multiple pipes facilitating the inflow and outflow of water, creating potential entry points through the crawlspace.
• Extractor Fans: These fans, designed to improve ventilation, often lead to the attic or roof. Unfortunately, these pathways can inadvertently become openings for pests.
• Toilet Venting: In certain configurations, toilets may vent directly to the outside, offering another potential access point for pests.

By addressing and sealing these potential entryways, you can significantly reduce the risk of pests in your home. If you weren’t aware, one of Eastside Specialties is making sure pests are permanently sealed out of your home.

 

☐ Seal Entry Points:

Ensure a rodent-resistant bathroom by sealing gaps around pipes and drains. Properly sealed windows and vents prevent unwanted entry, maintaining a secure environment.

☐ Maintain Dryness:

Promptly fixing leaks and wiping down wet surfaces not only prevents water damage but also reduces water availability, making the bathroom less appealing to rodents.

Pro Tip: Water is crucial ingredient to all pest issues. Reducing access can greatly reduce the severity of your issue.

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Crawlspace, Basements & Attics

If an issue has gotten out of hand, you might consider our Attic and Crawlspace cleaning service – a guaranteed way to improve your homes air quality.

 

☐ Seal Cracks and Openings:

Inspect every nook and cranny, including cracks and gaps in walls and foundations. Thoroughly seal these openings to deny rodents easy access into your home.

Garage/Shed rodent prevention checklist:

Garages and sheds often provide a direct pathway for pests to infiltrate homes, and it’s crucial to recognize potential entry points in these structures. Unlike many interior spaces, garages and sheds can have specific vulnerabilities:

• Gaps and Cracks: The construction of these spaces may introduce gaps or cracks in walls and foundations, offering pests easy access.
• Utility Openings: Openings around utility lines, such as gas or electrical lines, entering the home through the garage or shed can inadvertently become pathways for pests.
• Garage Doors and Windows: Improperly sealed garage doors and windows present clear entry points for pests seeking refuge or nesting opportunities.

Being aware of these specific vulnerabilities is essential for effective pest control in garages and sheds. By proactively addressing and sealing these potential access points, you can significantly enhance the pest resistance of these areas, ensuring a secure and pest-free environment for your belongings.

 

☐ Seal Entry Points:

Secure your garage or shed by inspecting and sealing gaps or cracks in walls and foundations. This step is crucial for preventing rodent entry and maintaining the integrity of the structure.

☐ Elevate Stored Items:

Reduce potential hiding spots by keeping stored items off the floor. Utilize sealed plastic containers to discourage rodents from nesting in your garage or shed.

☐ Organize Tools:

Maintain an orderly space by keeping tools organized in sealed containers. Regular cleaning and sweeping of the garage or shed floor further deter rodents.

Pro Tip: Pests aren’t just after food and water. No matter the conditions outside, they’re typically more comfortable in your home. Block off potential nests by bagging older clothing, sealing products in airtight containers, and removing unneeded clutter that can conceal pests.

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Miscellaneous Items/Outdoor Areas:

This is the last section of our Rodent Prevention checklist – but that doesn’t make it any less important!

 

☐ Swimming Pools:

Ensure a pest-free pool area by regularly cleaning debris and securing pool chemicals in rodent-proof containers. Seal openings in pool equipment rooms to prevent rodent access.

☐ Proximity to Construction:

A major risk factor to rodent issues is ‘adjacent infestations’ – meaning you’re fighting more than your own rodent issues. If this sounds like your neighborhood, check out our guide on new construction.

☐ Gardens:

Maintain a well-groomed garden to reduce hiding spots. Elevate compost bins and use secure lids to discourage rodents, contributing to a pest-resistant outdoor space.

☐ Compost Bins:

Discourage nesting by regularly turning compost. Use a secure lid, avoiding the composting of meat or dairy products, to minimize attractants for rodents.

☐ Outdoor Structures:

Secure outdoor structures by inspecting and sealing openings in sheds and gazebos. Elevate stored items to reduce potential hiding spots and keep the area well-organized.

☐ Outdoor Storage:

Elevate firewood and other outdoor items to minimize potential hiding spots for rodents. Store these items in sealed containers or sheds with secure lids, creating an environment that is less attractive to pests.

☐ Bird Feeders:

Utilize squirrel-proof bird feeders to reduce potential food sources for rodents. Regularly clean up spilled birdseed to maintain a pest-resistant outdoor area.

☐ Outdoor Furniture:

Regularly inspect outdoor furniture for gaps or openings that rodents could exploit. Seal any identified gaps and clean and inspect cushions and upholstery for signs of rodent activity.

☐ Vehicle Maintenance:

Store vehicle maintenance supplies in sealed containers to minimize the chances of attracting rodents. Regularly check for and seal any openings in garages where vehicles are stored.

☐ Landscaping:

Trim vegetation away from the house and outdoor structures to eliminate potential rodent pathways. Remove debris, such as piles of leaves, which can serve as hiding spots for pests. This New York City inspection PDF has some additional tips.

☐ Rain Gutters:

Keep rain gutters clean to prevent water accumulation, a condition that can attract rodents. Regularly check for and seal any openings around gutter downspouts to fortify your home against potential rodent entry.

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By working through this rodent prevention checklist, and implementing these targeted strategies in each area of your home, you’ll create a comprehensive defense against rodents. Regular upkeep and adherence to these steps contribute to a home environment that is unattractive to rodents, promoting peace of mind and overall well-being.

Rodent Control Packages for your Home

We’ve been working on exceptional rodent control in Seattle and the surrounding areas since 1969. Since our start, we’ve got it down to a science, condensed into four steps that get carried out by our experts. We’re proud to offer you the highest quality of care, which includes:

• A detailed inspection performed by a licensed exterminator who scours your home for entry points. Using those findings, a report including treatment recommendations is generated.

• Repairs to your home that eliminate entry points, decreasing the likelihood rodents will be able to gain access to your home.

• A follow-up inspection that checks the status of our repairs, searches for new entrances and removes the trapped rodents.

• Cleanup of previously infested areas, including removing contaminated materials, repairing damaged insulation, and sanitizing your space to remove germs.

Get a free $199 Inspection when you sign up for SMART Rodent Protection!