How To: Rodent-Proof Your Home

While Ratatouille might have been a runaway blockbuster film, no one wants rats in the house — or mice or squirrels or any other unwelcome rodent guests. Stopping the problem before it starts is your best line of defense.

How do you keep rodents out of your space? Skip the trip to the animal shelter for a stray cat. Prevention starts at home — and in your yard.

Your Yard

First thing’s first: Seal all your garbage in metal, closed trash cans. Then, get rid of anything in your yard that gives a rodent a place to stay. “You want to make sure that your property and yard and fence line is free of debris and clutter,” says Mark ‘Shep’ Sheperdigian, vice president of technical services for Rose Pest Solutions in Troy, MI, which includes keeping your landscaping minimal. While ground cover can be attractive, it also provides shelter to rodents and their families.