The best way to avoid problems with rodents is to take away their biggest attractant: food. To do so, try these tips:
- Keep tight-fitting lids on trashcans and compost bins.
- Remove bird feeders and wild animal feeders from your property.
- Pick up uneaten pet food.
- Regularly harvest gardens and fruit trees.
- Keep outdoor eating and cooking areas free of leftover food debris.
To further prevent problems with rodents, it is also helpful to cut back tree branches and shrubbery from your home, repair gaps in your home’s exterior that offer entry points, and repair leaky pipes and fixtures that provide a water source.