Why Should Rodent Exclusion Start Before Winter?

The Gaps to Find While the Weather Is Still Mild

The cooler seasons can lead to increased rodent activity within Crozet homes as rodents seek shelter, food, and areas to nest during the winter season. Residents can get ahead of this movement by conducting home inspections on a recurring basis throughout the year. This can include inspecting the exterior of the home for gaps, cracks, and areas where siding or mesh screens have become damaged. Because mice can squeeze through a hole the size of ¼ in, these areas can quickly become ideal points of entry into indoor living areas. When conducting inspections, consider using a flashlight to reveal areas where shade or shadows might disguise small gaps around the foundation, roofline, or where rodent traffic is commonly noticed.

When inspecting the home, look for gaps around external utility lines, pipes, worn door sweeps, and areas where garage-door corners or rooflines create small entry points. Take note of areas where droppings, bite marks, and nesting materials are found. Keep a log of how weather conditions, environmental factors, and seasons in Crozet contribute to times where rodent activity seems heightened or unexpectedly increases. This information will help you create a system that can be repeated and adjusted as seasons and years progress.

How to Prepare Food, Storage, Garages, and Crawl Spaces

There are steps Crozet residents can take to defend their homes from rodent activity and contamination. For food areas, ensure that containers are properly sealed and removed from areas where rodent activity has recently occurred. Store animal feed and seed in sealed containers positioned away from the floor. Ensure trash bins are properly sealed and not overflowing, and reduce cardboard and clutter in storage areas, which can create hiding and nesting places. Replace worn door sweeps, torn mesh screens, and seal gaps with durable sealant materials. 

When sealing points of entry, it’s important to avoid sealing rodents within the walls. This can lead to body decomposition and attract additional pests or lead to exposure to hazardous conditions. For sanitation, properly sanitize areas where rodent activity was commonly found. This can include within cabinets, countertops, and areas where rodent droppings were located. Consider using HVAC cleaning services to clear out rodent hair and dander from air vents. The presence of these contaminants can lead to allergy symptoms for people with weakened immune systems.

When Pre-Winter Exclusion Needs Professional Help

While household preventative measures can temporarily help to curb activity in Crozet homes, it’s important for residents to seek professional help during the cooler seasons. As temperatures cool and rodents seek shelter indoors, they become increasingly motivated to gain access into wall voids, attic spaces, and basements to access food and shelter. This can lead to rodent activity increasing despite DIY sealing and exclusion methods.

Mosquito Squad Plus is proud to offer comprehensive rodent control services to Crozet residents. Our team will begin by conducting a property inspection to learn the layout, areas of current rodent activity, and seek out overlooked points of entry. This information will allow us to create a tailored plan that is designed for your home and needs. Our rodent control services include the use of EPA-registered products, targeted barrier treatments, and exclusion methods to seal points of entry and repel rodent activity. Additionally, we will continue to monitor and address continued rodent movement throughout the duration of your plan.

For Reliable Rodent, Pest Control in Crozet, VA Near You

Need help reducing rodent activity around your Crozet property? Call Mosquito Squad of Charlottesville at (434) 363-9274 or request a free quote online.