Block off every opening thicker than a pencil. That’s usually enough to stop them from slipping through. The challenge is, they show up where you’re least expecting–behind appliances, under sinks, between basement joists. One small tear in a vent screen, and suddenly there’s scratching behind the drywall.

Steel wool works better than foam filler. Foam might seem like it seals things up, but they’ll chew through it if they’re determined. Metal mesh, secured with caulk or hardware cloth, holds up longer. Some people try copper mesh, though I’ve heard mixed results. Honestly, I think it depends on how much time you’re willing to spend double-checking your work.

Leaving pet food out overnight is a quiet invitation. Same goes for overflowing bins, crumbs under the toaster, or that cereal box that never closes properly. A sealed pantry helps, but so does just paying attention. I once forgot a bag of sunflower seeds in a garage cabinet–next thing I knew, droppings on the shelf.

If the smell of peppermint oil works, it’s probably because it masks the scent trails. Some swear by it. Others try vinegar, or even dryer sheets. I wouldn’t count on those long-term, but as a stop-gap measure? Sure. Just don’t expect miracles. They adjust faster than we think.

Identifying Common Entry Points in Your Home

Start with the basement. Gaps where utility lines enter–gas pipes, dryer vents, air conditioning hoses–are often overlooked. A half-inch opening is more than enough space. I’ve seen gnawed insulation around furnace ducts that looked fine at a glance but hid a tunnel behind it.

Door sweeps are another weak spot. Especially garage doors. If daylight shines through the bottom edge, something smaller than your hand can squeeze through. Weatherstripping helps, but only if it’s intact and snug. The rubber hardens in winter. I check mine each fall, though sometimes I forget until I hear something moving around the bins.

Windows, Vents, and Rooflines

Window wells with loose covers, dryer vents without screens, attic vents with broken mesh–these all invite trouble. Soffits, especially in older homes, can warp or split at the seams. Birds and squirrels find them too, but smaller intruders don’t need much of a gap.

Roof junctions where different pitches meet can crack over time. And chimneys? Unless capped with a proper screen, they’re wide open. I once found nesting material stuffed behind our fireplace damper. Probably sat there for weeks before we noticed the smell.

Inside the Walls

Kitchen cabinets sometimes hide small holes in the drywall, especially under sinks. Plumbing cutouts behind toilets and vanities are rarely sealed tight. Pull out the drawers, check behind the fridge. You might find shredded paper or droppings tucked in warm corners. Not fun, but better to catch it early than deal with a full-blown situation later.

Sealing Cracks and Gaps with Rodent-Proof Materials

Steel wool is your best friend when it comes to blocking small holes. It’s sharp enough to keep those little creatures from chewing through. Pack it tightly into any cracks around pipes or vents. I’ve found that it’s also effective around the edges of doors or windows. Just make sure it’s packed snugly–any gaps, and they’ll find a way in.

If you’re dealing with larger openings, you’ll want to use hardware cloth or galvanized wire mesh. I once had a problem with a gap near the foundation, where the mortar had cracked. I used a mesh to cover it, and they haven’t been able to get through since. Don’t just staple it on, though–use a good amount of caulk to seal the edges so the mesh stays in place long term.

Expanding foam might seem like a quick fix, but I wouldn’t rely on it near high-traffic areas. Mice can chew right through it. That said, it works fine in low-risk spots like around pipes or in crawlspaces where you’re not expecting much action. Just don’t go overboard–foam can expand too much and create new gaps if you’re not careful.

Another option is caulking, but not the regular stuff you might use for baseboards. Look for a stronger, more durable caulk–ideally one that’s designed to handle outdoor conditions. It’s great for sealing around window frames or other places where weather can take a toll. But keep in mind, it won’t hold up forever, especially if you’re in a really cold climate.

I’ve heard some people try copper mesh too. It’s tough, and I’d say it’s worth the investment if you’re dealing with persistent invaders. The downside? It’s trickier to work with than steel wool. But it can be a good solution for harder-to-reach places where you don’t want to keep re-sealing every few months.

Removing Food Sources That Attract Rodents Indoors

Start by securing food in your kitchen. Items like cereal, bread, and pasta should be stored in airtight containers, not left in their original packaging. Rodents love the smell of open food, and if they can smell it, they’ll likely come looking for it.

Empty trash bins regularly, and always make sure they’re tightly sealed. It’s easy to forget that even small crumbs or food packaging can attract them. Don’t leave pet food out overnight; store it in a sealed bin and feed pets during set times.

• Keep countertops clear of food scraps. Even a tiny crumb can be enough to lure them in.
• Regularly clean behind appliances like the stove and fridge. Dropped food can accumulate unnoticed.
• Consider switching to glass or metal containers for storing pantry items rather than cardboard boxes, which are a weak barrier for hungry rodents.

Don’t forget about the areas outside your home. If you compost, make sure your bin is securely closed, and avoid putting meat or dairy scraps in it. These are particularly attractive to rodents.

Even when you think you’ve cleaned up, the smell of food can linger. It’s worth deep cleaning surfaces, especially in places where food preparation happens frequently. I find that wiping down surfaces with vinegar helps reduce strong food odors that may attract pests.

Using Natural Repellents Like Peppermint Oil and Vinegar

Apply peppermint oil directly onto cotton balls and place them near entry points or suspected activity areas. The strong aroma tends to deter rodents by overwhelming their sensitive noses. Refresh the cotton balls every few days to maintain potency.

White vinegar works similarly. Soak cloth pieces or spray diluted vinegar around baseboards, cupboards, and corners. The sharp scent can discourage unwanted visitors from settling in. It might seem odd at first, but many have found this method surprisingly persistent.

Both peppermint oil and vinegar are non-toxic and safe around children and pets, which is a bonus if harsh chemicals aren’t an option. However, the effectiveness can vary–some report significant results, while others notice only minor changes. It could depend on the level of infestation or local environment.

For more detailed advice and personal experiences, check out pearltrees.com about The Pest Control Guy or explore insights at The Pest Control Guy on wordpress.com.

Setting Up Homemade Traps Without Poison

Start with a simple snap trap or create a basic live-capture device from household items like a bucket and a ramp. For instance, place a small plank or stack of books leading up to a tall bucket, then bait the inside with peanut butter or bits of fruit. The rodent climbs up, slips, and ends up inside without harm. Check traps frequently–daily if possible–to avoid stress or accidental escape.

Snap traps need careful placement: walls, behind appliances, and along baseboards are hotspots. Position the bait on the trigger carefully to ensure it activates when nudged. Avoid heavy scents on your hands that might scare them off; gloves help.

Consider switching bait types if one fails–some prefer cheese, others like nuts or oats. Fresh bait tends to attract better. Patience matters; not every trap works immediately, but persistence helps. Also, relocating captured animals should be done far from your property to prevent a quick return.

Maintaining a Clean Environment to Prevent Infestation

Store food in airtight containers made of glass or thick plastic to eliminate easy access. Crumbs and spills left on counters or floors create an open invitation–wipe surfaces immediately after meals and clean under appliances regularly, even if it feels like overkill.

Empty garbage bins frequently and use liners that seal tightly. Trash buildup inside the home or garage attracts unwanted visitors, so don’t let it linger for days. It’s surprising how much leftover residue on bin walls can matter.

Declutter storage areas like basements and attics. Cardboard boxes, piles of newspapers, and fabric scraps become cozy spots for nesting. If you can, swap cardboard for plastic bins with lids. Also, avoid stacking items directly on the floor to reduce hidden shelter options.

Check for water leaks around sinks, pipes, and appliances. Damp areas not only lure moisture seekers but also support small insects that serve as an easy food source. Fixing even minor drips might seem trivial but can make a real difference.

Ventilate rooms well to keep humidity low; higher moisture levels encourage activity inside walls and cupboards. Consider a dehumidifier if your home feels persistently damp–this can indirectly discourage unwelcome guests.

Lastly, don’t forget door sweeps and window screens. Gaps under doors and broken screens provide simple entry points that bypass any cleanliness efforts inside. A quick inspection every few months pays off more than expected.