November 16th through the 22nd is Rodent Awareness Week.   The purpose of which is to raise awareness of the importance of protecting your homes and business from mice and rat pressure.  In our accounts in the greater Springfield and Cape Girardeau Missouri area our service strategy is about prevention and protection first.  Our accounts are setup with exterior tamper resistant bait stations that are used target mice prior to them entering your home.

A few key points pulled from the article reference below are some steps to take to protect your home from mice:

NPMA tells homeowners to be on the lookout for droppings, gnaw
marks on food items and wooden surfaces such as door corners, and
to listen for scratching or scurrying sounds in the walls, attic or
other crawlspaces.  They also recommend the following
rodent-proofing tips:

  • Secure the outside. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the
    home, paying special attention to areas where utilities and
    pipes enter the home. Replace loose mortar and weather
    stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
  • Play keep away. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the
    home and five feet off the ground. Keep shrubbery and tree branches
    cut back from the house.
  • Don’t roll out the red carpet. Keep basements and attics clear
    and store boxes off of the floor. Eliminate all moisture sites,
    including leaking pipes and clogged drains. Keep food in
    rodent-proof containers.
  • Take action. Rodents breed rather quickly. If you suspect an
    infestation, contact a qualified
    pest professional to help eliminate a rodent problem before it gets
    out of hand.

National Pest Management Association Article link