Question: How can I make my home rodent proof?

Answer: Please view the below instructions for tips on rodent-proofing your home. (Click on the links for tips in [PDF] Spanish, Haitian Creole and Portuguese.) 

INSIDE:

1. Inspect your basement and house for cracks and holes. Seal them with mortar. Rodents can slip thorough holes as small as a dime.
2. Make sure you have screens on your basement windows. Repair holes and tears.
3. Keep outside doors closed. Use metal trim to prevent rodents from gnawing and entering underneath.
4. Don’t leave extra pet food out. Store food in a plastic, metal or glass container with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Clean up food and crumbs. Don’t store food in lower cabinets.

OUTSIDE

1. Keep trash in heavy plastic or metal containers with tight-fitting lids.
2. Place trash outside shortly before pick-up time. Do not leave plastic bags outside overnight. 
3. Keep yard free of weeds, trash and debris, so rats and mice don’t have shelter and food. 
4. Don’t leave pet food and waste outside. 
5. Clutter attracts rodents. Dispose of unused building materials, boxes and yard waste promptly. Store lumber off the ground on a rack with clean, open space underneath. 
6. Keep all vegetation 2 to 3 feet away from walls. Cut grass frequently to eliminate hiding places. Remove all standing water. 
7. Trim shrubs and trees regularly so branches do not touch the ground. 
8. Clean up fallen fruit and seeds regularly so rats can’t eat them.