Rodents are more than just a nuisance—they can cause property damage, contaminate food, and potentially even spread diseases. Once they find their way indoors, mice and rats can multiply quickly, making it difficult to regain control. The best approach is to stop infestations before they begin by taking proactive steps to make your home less appealing and accessible to these pests. At Direct Hit Pest Control, we provide expert rodent prevention and control in the greater Sacramento area. Here are five tips for preventing a rodent infestation in your home.

Seal Entry Points Around Your Home
Rodents can squeeze through incredibly small openings, so it’s important to thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, or holes. Pay special attention to areas around doors, windows, vents, and utility pipes. By blocking access points, you can prevent rodents from finding an easy way inside, especially as they seek shelter during colder months.

Store Food Properly
Easy access to food is one of the main reasons rodents invade homes. Keep all pantry items such as grains, cereals, and pet food in sealed containers made of glass or metal. Avoid leaving food out overnight and promptly clean up spills or crumbs. Regularly empty trash bins and use ones with tight-fitting lids. Maintaining a clean kitchen and pantry removes one of the key attractants for rodents, making your home far less inviting.

Maintain a Clutter-Free Environment
Rodents thrive in cluttered spaces where they can hide and build nests undisturbed. Keep storage areas like basements, attics, and garages organized and avoid letting piles of paper, cardboard, or fabric accumulate. A tidy home gives rodents fewer places to hide and makes it easier to spot early signs of activity.

Eliminate Outdoor Attractants
Your yard can also draw rodents close to your home. Keep firewood stored at least 20 feet from the house and trim back bushes or tree branches that touch exterior walls. It’s highly important that rodents aren’t able to access your roof, which usually allows a way inside. You’ll want to cut back trees and bushes to at least three feet from the roofline. And it’s best to eliminate anything leaning against the eaves or patio cover. Cords and decorative lights potentially provide access if they run from trees or fencelines to the eaves. Also, make sure bird feeders are kept tidy, and avoid leaving pet food outside. Clean up fallen fruit and secure outdoor trash cans. By managing outdoor conditions, you reduce the likelihood of rodents approaching your home in the first place.

Schedule Professional Pest Inspections
Even with the best prevention efforts, rodents can sometimes slip through. Having a pest control professional inspect your home annually can help detect early warning signs and address vulnerabilities. 

Rodent Control & Prevention in Sacramento, CA

For expert rodent control and prevention in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact Direct Hit Pest Control at (916) 238-0249. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment for pest control in greater Sacramento!