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We are Sarasota Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to Florida critter problems. We service the greater Sarasota region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 941-787-7636 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Manatee County, DeSoto County, Charlotte County, and more. We also service North Port, Venice, Longboat Key, Bee Ridge, Ridge Wood Heights, DeSoto Lakes, Englewood, Siesta Key, Fruitville, Gulf Gate Keys, Kensington Park, Southgate, Laurel, The Meadows, Nokomis, Vamo, Osprey, Plantation, and more.

Sarasota Wildlife Education: What Property Modifications Will Keep Down Rodent Populations?

Rodents are a problem for nearly any homeowner or business owner. You want to minimize the number of rodents on your property so you don’t have to deal with the damage they cause or worry about a risk of disease. Treating a rodent infestation is always an option, but it is much easier to take preventative measures and stop them from invading your home in the first place. In the worst case scenario, you will at least have fewer rodents to remove. Here are some simple modifications you can make to your property that will keep down the rodent population so you have less things to worry about.



Make Windows And Doors Airtight
You would probably be surprised at the small spaces rodents are capable of fitting through. If there are any gaps around your windows or doors, take the time to remove them. This means repairing damage to any screens on your windows and screen doors. You should also install a door sweep on any doors that lead to the exterior of your home.

Seal Other Holes and Entry Points
While windows and doors are the obvious areas of your home that may need attention to prevent rodent entry, these animals can turn any hole into an entrance. Examine the exterior of your home and make sure that any holes or cracks are sealed. Sometimes, this will require a professional eye so don’t be afraid to hire someone to inspect your home for you. You will pay a bit more upfront, but save significant money over what it would cost to deal with a rodent infestation.

You will also want to seal up the areas where utilities or pipes lead into your home since smaller rodents like mice and rats have been known to use these to their advantage. Some of the best materials for sealing up these potential entrances include steel wool and caulk. Also, add screens to any exterior vents. If you have a chimney, don’t forget to seal up any openings to the top and install a chimney cap.

Care For Your Basement And Attic
Whether you have a basement or crawl space, take the time to make it as unappealing as possible to rodents. This means ensuring it is always dry and well-ventilated. You should also inspect the basement to ensure there is no loose weather stripping or mortar by the foundation and windows. Follow the same rule of thumb for your attic, ensuring it is always well-ventilated and dry since rodents tend to be attracted to moisture.

Eliminate Other Potential Moisture
Areas with moisture buildup will attract rodents as well as other pests, such as insects. Because of this, you want to make sure that no area of your home is accumulating moisture. Pay close attention to clogged drains and leaking pipes and fix them as soon as the issues appear.

Keep Your Kitchen Clean
If it is not kept clean, the kitchen can be a huge temptation for rodents of all sizes and species. They will see food left out on the counter as invitation, even if it is just a few crumbs you forgot to clean up. You can keep down the rodent population by storing all your food inside airtight containers and cleaning your countertops and floors regularly.

Take Care Of Garbage
Garbage in any area of your home can provide food and shelter for rodents, giving them nearly everything they need to thrive. If they find these things, they will be likely to move in and bring some friends along. You can avoid this by regularly emptying your garbage cans. If you keep your large garbage cans outside or even in your garage, ensure that they are tightly sealed. Either upgrade your current bin for one with a seal or use bungee cords or rope to get the same results.

Eliminate Exterior Shelter
Property modifications need to involve your entire property, not just your home itself if you want to effectively keep down the rodent populations. This means getting rid of any potential exterior shelter that rodents may be using, or at least moving it further away from your home. If, for example, you have a pile of firewood, make sure that it is a minimum of 20 feet from your home. Otherwise, rodents can turn it into their shelter and enter your home for food or water. Take the time to trim back trees and shrubbery as well as these can offer natural shelter for rodents.

While working outside, double check that there are no potential food sources for rodents. Bird feeders and pet food sitting outside can attract rodents so rethink the bird feeders and feed your pets inside.

Take Care Of It Immediately
Even if you have made all of these property modifications, you may still end up with one or more rodents in your home. A single rodent will quickly become hundreds if left alone so take care of the potential issue at the first sign of a problem. Hire an expert to get the rodent or rodents out of your home before they bring in some friends and start breeding.

Previous Education Articles
Venomous snakes of Florida
Should I hire a pro or remove Sarasota skunks myself?
How to keep Sarasota opossums out of my garbage cans
What are some of the symptoms of a sick wild Sarasota animal?