How to keep pesky rodents away from a renovation
Deciding to renovate your home is a big decision, so it is always important to consider all elements before beginning your project.
Renovation of any residential or commercial property takes time and patience, and can cause a lot of disruption to your living space.
With lots of construction materials lying around, open foundations, and gaps where windows used to be, a renovation site can sometimes be a breeding ground for rodents like rats and mice.
How does a renovation site attract rodents?
Rats, mice and other rodents will flock to a place where they can find water, shelter and food.
They will find their way through gaps, crevices and cracks in buildings, doors, floors, foundations and even air vents to get some warmth and shelter, especially during the cold months.
So, with larger areas of your home exposed, it is no surprise that rats and mice will find it easier to come into your home.
They can hide in wood piles or construction materials, as well as scurry in through open roofs, unfinished foundations and other large gaps left during a renovation.
How to keep the rodents away
During your renovation project, make sure that your construction workers keep the site as clean and clear as possible.
Tips to keep your outside area rodent-free:
- Rake leaves, hedge cuttings or grass piles away and put them out for collection.
- Wood piles should be placed at least 20 feet away from your home. If this is not possible, then it can be good to cover the woodpile with a strong tarpaulin to help keep any rodents away.
- Keep any tree branches away from the house. Trim them so that they remain 6 feet away from any windows, or your roof.
- Keep any rubbish in sealed and secure bins while you await routine collection.
Rodent infestation: Effective treatments
- Store food correctly: keep food in a safe and dry environment, ideally in airtight containers.
- Take out your rubbish frequently
- Clean your home regularly to keep it tidy and routinely check for signs of infestation.
- Seek professional advice and help. Pest control companies will use non-toxic chemical treatments to solve your pest problem once and for all.
