{"id":14608,"date":"2019-01-29T14:31:34","date_gmt":"2019-01-29T13:31:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentokil.ie\/blog\/\/?p=14608"},"modified":"2025-06-27T12:05:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T11:05:13","slug":"rats-and-mice-5-ways-to-protect-your-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentokil.ie\/blog\/rats-and-mice-5-ways-to-protect-your-home\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Prevent Rats and Mice in Your Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There is snow lying in many parts of the country this morning, with temps still below freezing.  The expanded population of furry fellas is seeking shelter from the cold. Is your property ready for unexpected guests: rats and mice? As the dark stormy days descend on us, your home might be assaulted by rain, winds, frosts \u2026 and pests! By winterising your home, you can prepare it for the onslaught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the holiday parties, the big clean-up begins. Dirt, debris, and spills can spread disease and attract pests. And it\u2019s harder to track down pests in an untidy home. Your first step is to keep your home clean and tidy at all times.  Don\u2019t make your home an inviting prospect for rodents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How rats and mice enter homes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many insects hibernate indoors during winter. They may be mostly idle as they snuggle down for the long winter, but others continue to be active and even breed. And some use glycerol to keep them warm as the ice begins to bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A particular concern for many people at this time of year is an invasion of rats<\/a> or mice<\/a>. And these rodents make crafty adversaries, so you\u2019ll need all your skills when tackling them. They are likely to seek food and shelter as the cold weather settles in. And once they gain entry, they can cause a lot of problems in your home. As well as spreading disease and bacteria, they can damage wires and furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget that mice and rats can squeeze through tiny openings, so seal up any possible entry points. And don\u2019t leave scraps of food lying around. Even crumbs will entice rodents<\/a> inside! Also, pay attention to any smells in your kitchen. An unpleasant smell from a bin, dishwasher or fridge will be enough to get a rodent\u2019s nose twitching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to check your basement, attics and walls for signs of pest activity<\/a> during these months. Do everything you can to prevent an infestation from taking hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n