Mice and rats are drawn to quiet, dark, and damp places like basements. The cooler weather in Tumwater can drive rodents indoors, leaving homeowners to discover these unwelcome guests in their basements, where they chew on wires and nest in insulation. But you do not have to share your space with these rodents. A reputable Tumwater pest company can eliminate a rodent infestation and offer advice on how to keep these pests out of your basement for good.

Mice and rats constantly look for shelter, food, and water. They can find these essentials in your basement if stored food items, clutter, or leaky pipes are available there. Rodents feel safer setting up camp in this space as it may be less active than the rest of the house. 

Sadly, mice and rats can cause a lot of damage once they have set up camp. Mice can chew through wires and rats can tear apart insulation or cardboard boxes to make nesting material. Also, these rodents can carry diseases and leave behind droppings that make your home less safe and less sanitary. You can avoid the consequences of a rodent infestation by taking the following steps:

Block Their Entry Points

Inspect the outside of your home. Look for small cracks and holes around the foundation, vents, windows, and doors. Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime. Use caulk or steel wool to seal small holes. Consider installing metal flashing over larger openings. Make sure window screens are intact and that basement doors shut tightly. Don’t forget to check where pipes or cables enter your home as they can be pathways for rodents. 

Declutter and Organize

Mice and rats can hide and build nests using piles of boxes, unused furniture, and loose insulation. Try to keep things organized and off the floor to ensure this does not happen. Use plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids instead of cardboard boxes, which are easy for rodents to chew through.

Make it a habit to check your basement regularly. Move things around from time to time so rodents are not encouraged to settle in.

Eliminate Food and Water Sources

Do not store pet food, bird seed, or pantry items in the basement unless they are in sealed, rodent-proof containers. Clean up any crumbs or spills as rodents can feast on them. Also, don’t leave trash or recyclables sitting out.

Moisture is another attractant for rodents. Dampness and plumbing leaks in the basement should be fixed as soon as possible. A dehumidifier can help dry out the space, making it less attractive to pests. Also, be sure to empty any standing water that might collect in sump pump pits or floor drains.

Set Traps as a Preventive Measure

Setting a few traps around your basement can help detect a problem early or prevent one from growing. Snap traps are effective and affordable. They can be placed along walls, behind boxes, and near potential entry points.

You can reach out to a professional if you do not want to deal with traps yourself. One trusted option in Tumwater is Pointe Pest Control, which is based in Washington and led by owner Jacob Borg. The company has built a solid reputation for its dependable service. Its technicians can inspect your basement to find hidden entry points and signs of rodent activity you might miss.

Keep the Outside of Your Home Tidy

Your basement might be sealed tight, but rodents will try to find a way in if your outdoor area attracts them. So, trim back any bushes, tree branches, or vines close to your foundation. Also, clear out leaves and debris from around your home’s perimeter.

Firewood should be stored at least 20 feet away from the house and kept raised off the ground. Rodents hide in woodpiles and use them as launch points to enter your home. Also, make sure outdoor trash cans with lids that close tightly.