Christmas is a time for joy, festive gatherings, and delicious food – but it can also bring the risk of rodent infestations. With decorations coming down from lofts, heaps of extra food in the house, and increased waste, this time of year can inadvertently invite unwanted guests like mice and rats into your home.
Here’s a practical checklist to help you keep your home rodent-free and ensure your Christmas is as merry as it should be.
1. Check Your Christmas Decorations for Signs of Rodents
- Inspect Boxes and Bags: If you store decorations in the loft or garage, look out for signs of gnawing, droppings, or nests in your boxes. Rodents love quiet, undisturbed areas, and a loft full of cardboard boxes is particularly inviting.
- Seal Entry Points: As you pull decorations down, inspect for gaps or cracks around pipes, loft hatches, and doors where mice could sneak in. Even small gaps can make a huge difference, as mice can squeeze through openings as narrow as a pencil.
2. Prepare Your Christmas Tree for Indoors
- Shake It Out: If you’re bringing in a real tree from outside or an artificial one from storage, give it a shake to dislodge any insects or pests.
- Inspect for Chewing Damage: Rodents sometimes chew on artificial tree branches and trunks. Inspect the tree carefully before setting it up indoors to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
3. Food Storage and Waste
- Store Leftovers Securely: Christmas dinners often lead to plenty of leftovers, which can be a temptation for rodents. Make sure leftovers are stored in airtight containers, and avoid leaving food out overnight.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Increased festive food waste can attract rodents. Use secure, lidded bins for food scraps and dispose of rubbish regularly to prevent it from piling up.
4. Inspect Your Home’s Exterior for Gaps and Holes
- Seal Gaps and Holes: Check around the outside of your home – especially around the foundation, door frames, windows, and roofline – for any holes or cracks. A gap as small as 6mm is enough for a mouse to get through.
- Clear Outdoor Debris: Stacks of wood, piles of leaves, or any unused materials outside can provide shelter for rodents. Clear away any debris around your property to prevent them from finding a cosy spot nearby.
5. Secure Pet Food and Bird Feeders
- Keep Pet Food Indoors: Storing pet food in garages or sheds can attract rodents, so it’s best kept indoors in sealed containers.
- Manage Bird Feeder Spillage: While feeding birds over the winter is wonderful, spilled bird seed can attract rodents. Sweep up any excess to reduce this risk.
6. Getting Rid of Rodents
- Call a Pest Control Company: If you suspect a rodent problem or spot signs of an infestation, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company. Rodents breed quickly, so early intervention can save a lot of hassle and prevent further issues.
You can keep your home safe and enjoy a peaceful, pest-free festive season with a few simple precautions. Don’t let these uninvited guests spoil your Christmas.
Contact Vergo Pest Management today to discuss our rodent prevention solutions and enjoy a worry-free Christmas!
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