Essential Steps In Rodent Proofing Your Attic

Whether you’ve already noticed signs of rats in your attic or you want to guard against potential infestations, rodent proofing is an important step in protecting your home. Rats and mice can carry harmful diseases and cause a lot of damage to your home and possessions. Here are some easy, yet essential, ways to rodent proof your attic.

Seal All Storage

Rodents can make their nests with almost any organic material, including cotton, wood, paper, and attic insulation. If you have storage in your attic, then make sure it is sealed in an airtight, plastic container. It is best not to keep cardboard boxes or poorly sealed plastic bags of clothes or bedding in your attic. Rodents will easily tear through the cardboard and thin plastic to ruin any sort of fabric material you may have stored. Be wary of any furniture or upholstered items you may have stored. Rodents will chew through these items, as well.

Seal All Cracks and Holes

Rats and mice can squeeze through holes or cracks the size of a quarter. Make sure all potential points of entry are thoroughly sealed. Professionals in rodent control will typically use a combination of steel wool, caulking, and metal mesh or chicken wire. The steel wool will be stuffed into the hole to discourage rodents from reaching the caulk and biting through. If the rodents get through the steel wool and caulk, then the metal screen is the last obstacle that rodents cannot get through.

Trim Outside Tree Branches

Since your attic is the highest place on your house, it is wise to trim any and all tree branches that could provide roof access for rodents. If you notice other ways that rodents might climb your house to the roof or windows, remove those, as well.

Call Atticare for all of your rodent proofing near San Francisco. We can help remove and prevent rats in the attic or crawlspace. Call us at 1-866-692-5449 to learn about our rodent proofing and other available services.