Now that hurricane season is in full swing, it is quite likely that you assembled your supplies, taken the steps necessary to protect your home from the torrential rains and damaging winds that go hand-in-hand with tropical cyclones, developed an evacuation plan, and have your emergency contacts in place.
However, there is one risk that you likely have not considered – that is, that after tropical storms or hurricanes, rodents may attempt to seek shelter in your home and other structures on your property. This is an unforeseen challenge that many homeowners in hurricane-prone regions have had to face immediately following a tropical system. C
ontinue reading to learn why rodents may be attracted to your home and to learn a few measures you can take to help avoid this issue.
Why Are Rodents Attracted to Homes After a Tropical System?
Rodents – such as rat and mice – are highly destructive animals that have the capability of contaminating food, destroying property, and even spreading diseases. Immediately following a natural disaster – such as a hurricane – these opportunistic creatures will relocate to new areas for the purpose and intent of searching for a water source, a food source, and suitable shelter.
This stems from the fact that their previous habitat has been destroyed by the storm. While it is true that rodent populations often dwindle after tropical systems impact an area, it is also true that those that remain will move forward rather quickly in seeking out an environment that provides that which they require to survive.
Rodent-Proofing Before a Disaster
There are many steps that you may take in order to rodent-proof your home before a tropical system develops. First, you should know that mice may enter the home through a space the size of a dime. Rats may enter into a space the size of a quarter.
You should start by sealing any gap that is ¼ of an inch or larger. You may use metal mesh, caulk, expanding foam, cement, cement mortar, wire screening, hardware cloth, or steel wool. Around the outside of the home, you should perform the following steps:
- Make certain trash and debris is cleaned from the home. Keep trash bins away from the home. If you have natural debris – such as wood piles – bring it up about a foot above the ground and keep it away from the home.
- Make sure trash bins are rodent-proof and have lids that either fit tightly or lock.
- Remove any type of food or water source from your property.
- If there is anything on the property that may appear to be an attractive nesting site- such as an abandoned vehicle or trash – remove it immediately.
- Keep the grass short, limbs trimmed, bushes trimmed, and leaves cleared from the property.
If An Issue Arises
If – after a tropical system – you believe rodents may be invading your property, your home, or any other structure on your property, call for professional wildlife extraction. For more information on how rodents may be quickly eliminated from the property, contact us today by calling: 855-465-1088