Chilly weather sends many rodents indoors

With frigid temperatures and the first snowfall blanketing the country, homeowners aren't the only ones seeking shelter indoors this winter. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes each winter. Horizon Pest Control, having served New Jersey residents for 43 years, urges homeowners to take extra steps to ensure a rodent-free home this season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HORIZON PEST CONTROL

Horizon Pest Control offers tips to help homeowners pest-proof their home.

"Winter is a prime time for rodent infestations because they are seeking shelter from the cold weather and easy access to food," said Bernard Holst, Jr. at Horizon Pest Control. "Once inside, rodents can breed very quickly, leaving homeowners with a much bigger problem to deal with."

While rodents are unwelcome house guests, the real concern is that these pests can cause property damage and carry disease. "Rodents such as mice and rats spread Salmonella and Hantavirus by contaminating food and preparation surfaces," said Holst. "They can also chew through wood and electrical wires, in some cases sparking house fires."

It's much easier to prevent a rodent infestation than to remove them after they've turned your home into their new residence. Here are a few steps homeowners can take to keep their homes rodent-free:

* Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home to help prevent rodents from finding easy entryways

* Keep shrubberies cut back from the house and store firewood a good distance away. The NPMA recommends that you store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five inches off the ground

* Rodents can hide in clutter, so keep areas clear and store boxes off of the floor

* Keep food in tightly sealed containers and clean up crumbs and spills

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Chilly weather sends many rodents indoors