Selling your home is a big decision, and one that you may not want to make if you live in fear of rodents. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize the extent of damage they can cause before they buy a home. In this blog post, we will outline some steps you can take to rat-proof your home before selling. From installing rat traps to sealing up any potential entry points, these tips will help keep rodents out while you’re looking for a new place to call home.
What are Rodents?
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They can be a big problem in homes, as they can damage belongings and cause health problems if not controlled. There are a few things you can do to rodent-proof your home before selling.
– Seal all cracks and openings in the walls and floors around objects where they could enter. This includes doors and window sills.
– Install tight fitting screens on all windows and doors, keeping them closed at all times except when necessary. They will be unable to gain access through tight fitting screens if they cannot fit their entire body through the opening.
– Keep stored food out of reach of rodents by storing it in sealed containers or putting it in bait stations that have been designed to deter them.
How Do Rodents Get Into Homes?
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They can get into homes in a number of ways. One way is through the roof, as many rodents are able to climb up and into homes. They can also enter through small openings such as cracks in the walls or windows, or come in through the drains if there is flooding inside the home. If you think there may be a rat or mouse inside your home, here are some tips on how to do a rodent control: seal all potential entry points with caulk, use weather stripping around doors and windows, install a deadbolt on exterior doors and keep garbage cans tightly closed.
Prevention Tips for Rodent-Proofing Your Home
If you are thinking about selling your home, here are a few prevention tips for rodent proofing your home before putting it on the market.
- Clean up areas where they can gain entry. Remove clutter and all potential food sources. Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and pipes.
- Install weatherproofing features like freeze protection in attics and crawl spaces to keep them out in the wintertime.
- Evaluate (and fix if necessary) any structural problems that could give them access to the inside of your home – such as crumbling chimneys or broken rooflines.
What Can I Do to Prevent Rodents From Entering My Home?
Preventing them from entering your home is a top priority for both homeowners and real estate agents. Here are some tips to help prevent them from getting into your home:
- Keep all food storage in tightly sealed containers or locked away in a secure location.
- Keep trash cans closed when not being used and replace expired food and trash regularly to reduce opportunities for them to get inside.
- Remove any tall vegetation near the edges of your property, as this can provide cover for rats and other rodents to enter your home.
- Clean up any spills or damaged areas around the outside of your home so that critters cannot hide or build nests nearby.
- Seal up any cracks or openings in the foundation, walls, and roof of your home that may let critters in.
How Can I Remove Rodents From My Home?
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There are a variety of ways to remove rodents from your home.
– Poison. One option is to use poison to remove them. You can buy poison specifically for rodent control, or you can use a household poison that is safe to use around pets and children. Poisons that are safe to use around pets can also be used to kill them. Simply place the poison where you believe they are hiding, and wait until they die. Make sure to wear gloves and safety goggles when handling the poison, and keep children away from any dead or dying rodents.
– Traps. Another option is to use traps. Place the traps in areas where you believe they are most active, such as under furniture or in corners. Set the traps using a spring loaded mechanism, and bait them with food that the rodents like (such as peanut butter). Be sure to check the traps regularly, and remove any captured them immediately.
– Sealants. Another option is to use sealants to stop them from entering your home in the first place. Sealants are available in a variety of forms, including liquid and powder, and can be applied to the outside of your home. Once applied, the sealant will create a barrier that will keep them out.
Where Can I Find Rodent-Proofing Resources?
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There are a few rodent-proofing resources available online. For example, the website of the rodent control association provides tips on how to keep them out of buildings and property, as well as advice on how to remove and prevent their entry. Another website, pest-proofing.com, offers a variety of rodent-proofing tips, including information on how to seal openings and cracks in walls, floors and ceilings; install barriers such as wire mesh; create nesting areas inaccessible to rodents; and use poison/bait stations.
Some cities and counties have their own websites with information on rodent control and pest prevention.
Conclusion
Many home sellers consider rodent proofing their home to be one of the most important steps in selling. Not only does it increase the value of your property, but it can also save you from expensive extermination fees later on. Sealing up all potential entry points, installing tight fitting screens, and storing food out of reach can help keep them out of your home before you put it on the market. If you suspect that they are already inside, use poison, traps, or barriers to remove them.
