How to Keep Rodents Away

It’s estimated there are three million rats in New York City, plus a similar number of mice. To put that in perspective, there are nearly as many rodents here as there are people – and as we all know, there are lots of people! The problem with having rats and mice as your neighbors is that they spread filth and diseases that are seriously harmful to humans. Their droppings and nesting materials are a health hazard and their gnawing habits cause structural damage. That’s why it’s so important to know how to get rid of rodents.

So, what are your options? Let’s talk about how to keep rodents away from your New York City home or business.

Rodent Prevention Tips

In this city, getting rid of rodents is only the first step. Knowing how to prevent them from coming back is just as important. This is called “rodent exclusion,” and with diligence and consistency, it is possible to turn your home or business into a space that is unappealing to mice and rats. 

Here are our five best rodent exclusion tips on how to get rid of mice and rats:

1. Seal any cracks and holes around the building, especially where utilities and pipes enter the property. You do this using products like caulk, steel wool, or expanding foam insulation. Check out these CDC recommendations for getting best results for sealing gaps and holes.
2. Store food in airtight containers and keep the lids on your garbage cans tightly closed. 
3. Avoid moisture buildup in small, enclosed areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Once rodents find it, they will come to rely on it and won’t leave.
4. Place screens over vents and chimney openings.
5. Repair any damaged screens on doors and windows as soon as you notice them.

How Does “Rat-Proofing” Work?

Like any other pest, rats and mice are always hunting for a food source to sustain them. If they sense your home might be a possible contender, they’ll search the exterior for cracks, holes, or openings to try and squeeze in. They will seek a part of your home that’s dark and cluttered – like an attic, basement, or void between walls. They will also nest in your insulation, which can cause a host of additional problems. That’s why Magic Exterminating suggests keeping your home clean and clear of clutter – it makes it less appealing for rodents to nest.

Another important part of rat-proofing is rodent landscaping exclusion. Since most rodent infestations start outdoors, protecting your exterior is a crucial part of rat-proofing your interior. At Magic Exterminating, we employ rodent-proof wire mesh netting as well as a variety of other tactics depending on your property. For more information on how this works, visit our rodent landscaping exclusion page.

How to Get Rid of Rats Over the Long-Term

Don’t get discouraged if you do all this and still end up with a rodent infestation. Rodents are smart, and they’ll jump at the first sign of vulnerability that they see. And with the sheer number of rodents that are here, and the many different species – including deer mice, house mice, and Norway rats – sometimes it can feel like there’s nothing you can do.

Luckily, at Magic Exterminating we’ve been dealing with rats and mice for over 60 years, and we know all the best strategies on how to get rid of rats and mice. We can clear a rodent problem of any scope and do it humanely as well as effectively. 

So to learn more about what we can do to get and keep your property free of rodents and other pests, contact us today!