Unwanted Winter Guests

In the cold weather, mice and other pests are seeking a warm place to nest, and your home's walls, attic and garage are just the kinds of places they're looking for. Not only do mice make a mess with potentially disease-spreading droppings, but they can also damage your belongings and the wiring of the home. If you hear mice or see evidence of rodents like droppings or items that have been chewed, it's important to get rid of the pests quickly before they cause extensive damage or begin to reproduce. If you have rodents in your home, the first thing you should do is inspect your house from the ground to the roof for open holes and gaps where mice are getting into the structure. Mice can enter very small holes, even as tiny as a dime, so it's important that you examine carefully. You can seal these holes using steel wool or by using a sealant to prevent more mice from making their way inside your home. After you've sealed off their entrant points, you can call a professional pest control company or you can use mouse traps or poison to get rid of the mice. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Rat poison and traps aren't safe to be used around children or pets. When you're disposing of trapped mice or cleaning up the mess left behind by the rodents, always wear protective gloves. These steps can keep your home free of these unwelcome guests.