Q&A for How to Keep Your Home Free of Rodents

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  • Question
    How can I make my property less attractive to rats?
    Chris Parker
    Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
    Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. With over seven years of experience, Chris specializes in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.
    Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
    Expert Answer
    Keeping your house impeccably maintained is going to help. Also, physically sealing up your house is important if you're experiencing rodent issues. If a hole is bigger than a dime, a rodent can fit through it.
  • Question
    If I cover a gravel floor with a concrete block, will that keep the rats from coming into my home through that floor?
    Community Answer
    Yes, since the rats won't be able to get through the block.
  • Question
    If there is no water source indoors, do mice/rats have to exit and re-enter your house daily?
    HumanBeing
    Top Answerer
    No. They can live off the water in what they eat for a few days.
  • Question
    Are there scents that mice don't like?
    HumanBeing
    Top Answerer
    The smell of a cat is not a favourite smell of mice.
  • Question
    Can I fill holes with fiberglass to keep rats out?
    Community Answer
    No, I don't recommend this; fiberglass/insulation is great nesting material. Instead, use steel wool. They can't chew through it.
  • Question
    What can I spray to repel rats?
    Community Answer
    You can spray poison. You can also use peppermint or garlic. Spicy things or salt work well too.
  • Question
    What do I do if there's a hole behind the fridge that has rodents coming out of it?
    Community Answer
    Carefully move the fridge to gain access to the hole, then stuff the hole with steel wool. Rodents won't chew through it.
  • Question
    Where do I find the names of some companies that can seal up the exterior of my house and insulation in my basement?
    Community Answer
    You can search for names on the internet. Also, you can ask people. Some companies are, Terminix, Trapping and Removing Critter control, and Ehrlich Pest Control.
  • Question
    I’m worried about getting diseases from rats and mice. Is that likely?
    Tobias
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can get diseases from mice/rats. What diseases you could get depend on what type of contact you had with the rodent. For example, some diseases are more commonly transmitted by bites/scratches, while some diseases are more commonly caused by contact with rodent waste. A few diseases you can get from rodents include rabies, leptospirosis, rat bite fever, salmonellosis, and even the plague. However, many of these diseases are somewhat rare, and your likelihood of getting them can depend on several factors, including geographical location.
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