A mouse skittered through my living room last weekend, narrowly escaping death by both my cat and a largish shoe before he was safely scooped up into a plastic container and banished to the back yard. If he makes a repeat appearance, though, he’s on his own!
I’m not sure how the little guy got in, but I do know that as cold weather approaches there are likely to be more like him: 
furry creatures trying to gain access to my cozy Noblesville home. I also know that cute as he might have been, he and his comrades can cause untold, and often unseen, damage – not to mention diseases, germs and the like.
Fall is a great time to fortify Hamilton County homes against would-be rodent intruders, which can include everything from my mouse to larger and even more destructive relations such as raccoons. Some suggestions for protecting your home from a rodent invasion:
- Screen all exterior vents.
- Ensure there are no gaps underneath garage doors.
- Bring porch cushions inside, lest animals be tempted to nest in them.
- Monitor pet doors – a favorite entryway for rodents.
- Store firewood away from the house.
- Trim overgrown vegetation and shrubbery around the house.
- Eliminate temptation by storing dry food, pet food and birdseed in sealed containers.
Rodents can get into your home through the smallest of spaces. Don’t give them any more than they need!
Next time: Fall Home Maintenance Tip #2: When Good Gutters Go Bad
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