Seal all entry points with steel wool and caulk or metal flashing (around pipes, vents, doors, windows, and gaps in walls)
Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens and weather stripping
Keep food in sealed, rodent-proof containers (including pet food and birdseed)
Store garbage in lidded, tightly sealed bins; clean bins regularly
Remove water sources (fix leaks, empty standing water, secure pet water overnight if needed)
Keep floors and storage areas clutter-free; reduce hiding places in garages, basements, and sheds
Trim vegetation and move wood, boxes, and debris away from the home
Use snap traps along walls and in travel paths; place bait inside the trap
Use multiple traps spaced consistently; check daily and reset as needed
Consider professional pest control if infestations are heavy or persistent
Use tamper-resistant bait stations for rodenticides only if allowed; place stations in areas inaccessible to children and pets
Follow label directions exactly for any rodenticide use; do not use in unsafe locations
Clean up droppings safely using gloves and a mask; disinfect with an appropriate cleaner and allow area to ventilate
Remove nesting materials and discard in sealed bags
Monitor activity with traps and/or tracking methods (e.g., bait station checks, droppings monitoring)
Wash contaminated items and sanitize affected areas thoroughly