How to Keep Your Home Free of Rodents

Co-authored by Chris Parker and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References Approved

At best, rodents are unwanted guests; at worst, they can introduce unwanted diseases and illnesses, and even cause damage to your home. Not to worry—with a little persistence, patience, and the right strategies, you can get back to enjoying a clean, peaceful, and rodent-free home. We’ve put together some expert-verified tips and tricks to help you get started.

1

Close any entry points.

Rodents are crafty, and can squeeze through very small openings. In fact, mice can wiggle through a blueberry-sized hole, and rats can fit through a cherry-sized opening. Scour both the inside and outside of your home, looking for any gaps and holes a rodent could possibly fit through. Stuff any small gaps or holes with steel wool and caulk. Then, cover up any larger holes and openings with metal sheeting, cement or lath screen.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Inside, rodents tend to sneak in near cabinets, appliances, closets, fireplaces, doors, pipes, vents, basements, attics, crawl spaces, and drains.
- Outside, these crafty critters can enter through windows, doors, foundation gaps, the roof, attic vents, crawl space vents, and holes for utility services, like plumbing, cable, gas, or electricity.

2

Seal away any dry food.

Store your food in thick, sturdy containers. Experts suggest transferring your food to thick, plastic or metal bins with secure lids. If you live on a farm or with pets, move any pet food or animal feed to sturdy, secure containers.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Always pour old pet or animal food back into the original container; this way, rodents won’t get a free snack.

3

Secure any outdoor food sources.

Trash cans, grills, and compost piles can attract rodents. Switch to trash cans made with thick plastic or metal and place a secure lid on top, so rodents can’t get in. Then, move any compost bins at least 100 ft (30 m) away from your home, so rodents aren’t as tempted to sneak in. If you grill outside pretty frequently, clean up any food scraps or crumbs once you’re done cooking.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- If you feed your pets outside, bring the food and water dishes inside for the night. Pour out any leftover water, and transfer the leftover food into the original food bag.

4

Trim any foundation plants and other hiding spots.

Vines and branches can offer easy access to your home. Cut back any vines, branches, and other growths that are especially close to your home.^{[4]
X
Research source} While you’re at it, clear away any mounds of junk or trash around your home, and move any firewood stacks at least 18 in (46 cm) off the ground. Then, trim any bushes, shrubs, or tall grasses near your home, as rodents may hang out there.^{[5]
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- If you’re getting rid of any old furniture or appliances, place them far away from your home. Rodents may build a nest in these items.

5

Clean your counters and floors regularly.

Crumbs and spills can attract rodents. If you’ve just prepared food or spilled a drink on the floor, wipe it up as soon as possible. This way, the critters won’t be as tempted to sneak into your home again.^{[6]
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Penn State Extension
Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities
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6

Arrange bait and traps.

Snap traps are a quick, efficient way to kill rodents. Arrange the trap along the wall, so the spring and metal form a T-shape. Rodents like to stay near the walls, and are more likely to stumble into a trap this way. Follow the directions provided with your snap trap and add a bait that will tempt the rodents to come over.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- Peanut butter, bacon, apple, sausage, nuts, fish, and pumpkin seeds are all great bait options.^{[8]
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- Stay away from glue traps, if possible. These traps are very inhumane and traumatizing for the rodents, and may cause them to urinate and poop. Rodent feces and urine can carry diseases, so this definitely isn’t ideal.

7

Employ natural repellents.

Rodents really hate the smell of peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus. Soak some cotton balls with one of these essential oils, and place them near an entry point. After a few weeks, place new, re-soaked cotton balls along the same spots.^{[9]
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8

Plug in an ultrasonic device.

Rodents hate ultrasonic sounds. When set up, these devices give off an unpleasant ultrasonic sound that may deter rodents. These devices work great to keep mice out of your home, but they don’t work for a very long distance. Your pets can also hear these devices, so they might not be the best option if you have some other furry friends at home.^{[10]
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- You can purchase these online, or at your local home improvement or hardware store.

9

Get a cat.

Cats are a tried and true way to keep mice away. A feline friend is great at tracking and getting rid of rodents. Plus, you’ll have another friend around your home to keep you company!^{[11]
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- Believe it or not, used cat litter can also deter rodents.^{[12]
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10

Call an exterminator.

Exterminators are a sure-fire way to keep your home safe, clean, and rodent-free. If it’s within your budget, ask an exterminator to come by and inspect your home. Pick an experienced professional with good credentials and work history. Before the exterminator starts treating your room, move any pets and children to a safe place where they won’t be exposed to any chemicals.^{[13]
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices
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11

Clean and disinfect any rodent hangouts.

Clean up the rodent waste first, and then disinfect the space. While wearing protective gloves, experts suggest cleaning up rodent droppings and urine with a diluted bleach mixture. Then, mop the floors with a bleach solution and wipe down your counters with disinfectant wipes. If needed, steam clean any soiled carpets or furniture, and wash any contaminated bedding in a hot water cycle.^{[14]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- To make a diluted bleach mixture, combine 1 part bleach with 10 parts water.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I make my property less attractive to rats?

Chris Parker
Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. With over seven years of experience, Chris specializes in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.

Chris Parker

Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control

Expert Answer

Keeping your house impeccably maintained is going to help. Also, physically sealing up your house is important if you're experiencing rodent issues. If a hole is bigger than a dime, a rodent can fit through it.
Question

If I cover a gravel floor with a concrete block, will that keep the rats from coming into my home through that floor?

Community Answer

Yes, since the rats won't be able to get through the block.
Question

If there is no water source indoors, do mice/rats have to exit and re-enter your house daily?

HumanBeing

Top Answerer

No. They can live off the water in what they eat for a few days.