Rats and other rodents are the most unwelcome visitors in any home. These creepy little creatures are very destructive, incredibly dirty, and carry diseases. Rats breed quickly, and once one invades your home, others are sure to follow. Thankfully, there are things that you can do to the outside of your home that will keep the rats and mice from being attracted to the area.
Feeding Your Pets Outdoors
One of the biggest attractants for rodents is an easy food source. Rats will eat just about anything, but are especially attracted to things like dog food. If you feed your dogs or cats outside, it is very important that you pick up the bowl at night time and make sure that the area is clear of any pieces that may have fallen out of the bowl. If a rodent discovers that they can access easy food, they will continue to return to the spot and often bring their friends.
Another thing that you must watch out for is bird feeders. Roof rats, a common rat found in the Las Vegas area, love seeds. This is their preferred food, and there are no better sources for this type of food than a bird feeder. Birds scatter the seed when they eat, so the entire ground beneath the feeder will be littered with seeds. This is a major attractant for rodents.
Yard Clutter Attracts Rodents
Underbrush, yard clutter, piles of leaves, and stacks of wood are all perfect hiding paces for rodents. Keeping your yard free from clutter is essential to keeping rats at bay. If you stack firewood, make sure that you place it in a rack that is at least a foot off of the ground. Trim back brush on the bottom so that it is not close to the ground or touch the house. Make sure trash cans are not next to the wall of your house. Rodents want to feel safe and have a place to breed. By eliminating any safe havens they may find, you are protecting your retry from infestation.
Rodents Are Nocturnal
Rats and mice are nocturnal creatures. They come out at night to hunt for food because this is when they are least likely to be caught by a predator. To protect your home at night from these creatures, make sure that you have all cracks around your doors and windows sealed. Rats are attracted to a light source, so they will come directly to these areas to search for food.
While doing these things is not an absolute guarantee that a rodent will avoid your home, it is a great way to prevent attracting them into the area. Every action you take to prevent a rodent infestation will protect your home and your family.
If you are having issue with rats or other kinds of rodents in Las Vegas, we can help. Contact us today, and we can get rid of the problem.