Here are top five methods that will ensure your home is rodent free.

1. Mice-proof your home

First, you need to eliminate entry points for rodents. Mice can squeeze through tiny cracks and holes. Use metal weather stripping under doors, and weather strip windows. Patch cracks in foundations. Stuff steel wool around pipes before caulking or plastering. Cover dryer vents, attic vents, and soffits with fine mesh metal screening.

2. Make your home less attractive to mice

Second step is to make your home less attractive to rodents. You will need to remove clutter around your house and garage where mice is most likely to hide and make nests. Keep your lawn cut and pull out tall grass and weeds that are near your house. Only use garbage containers with tight fitting lids.

Keep your composter free of food waste except green staff. In addition, install a sheet of heavy metal mesh between the soil and the bottom of the composter.  Make sure you do not have leaky taps, sweating pipes, and open drains in your house and on your property. Keep your house clean. Store dry food in containers with lids shut.

3. Traps

If you already have mice in your home, you have several physical control options to choose from. There are several types of traps that can be used to kill rats and mice. Snap traps and electronic traps are easy to use and very effective when set properly. They generally kill rats and mice instantly. Live traps have trap doors that are triggered when rats or mice walk over them.

Most traps without covers should be set at right angles to the wall, with the baited end of the trap closest to the wall. Some traps (like electronic traps and covered snap traps) should be set with the entrance parallel and flush against the wall. Set 1 trap per meter along walls, or 5 to 10 traps per visible mouse hole.

4. Ultrasonic devices

Ultrasonic devices produce sound waves or vibrations that rodents are afraid of. However, mice or rats may adapt to the devices. It is suggested that ultrasonic devices be utilized along with other pest control options.

5. Chemical Control / Pesticide

Poisoned baits are a common way of controlling rodents. If you use a pesticide to control your pest problem, read the label to make sure that you are choosing the right product for the right pest. Follow all label directions and warnings carefully. Always look for a Pest Control Products (PCP) number on the label so you know the product has been approved by Health Department.   Follow the directions for use closely.  Repellents have also been found effective in discouraging mice from damaging young trees and and other plants.