With plenty of older homes, mixed-use buildings, and cold winters, Manchester has a serious rodent problem. Dense housing near downtown and older multi-family units in Rimmon Heights & West Side are particularly prone to infestations. During fall and winter, rodents are more active and find hiding spots in basements and attics. If you know there is an infestation, consider calling the professional team at Anchor Pest Services. The company specializes in tackling rodent infestations in Manchester and offers quick inspections for customers. To help, we have compiled six guidelines for your home.
- Inspect Entry Points: Rats and mice can get through small holes, so at times, even the tiny gaps serve as entry points. Check the entire exterior of the house for any openings through which rodents might be entering. You should also check attic vents, rooflines, and garage doors. If you know there are no rats/mice trapped inside, you can easily fix these points; otherwise, let the technicians confirm that it is safe to do so.
- Focus on Food Storage: You have to ensure you don’t leave things open in the pantry. How you store your food and groceries also determines whether pests like rodents and roaches will come inside. Ensure everything is stocked in airtight cans and jars, and if you leave anything on the counters, remove it before you switch off the lights at night.
- Keep Waste in Check: One of the first reasons why many Manchester neighborhoods have rodents is a lack of proper waste handling. Many people still don’t have secure trash cans, and rodents will continue to return if they find space to hide and food to eat. Check how you dispose of trash and whether food waste in the kitchen is always sealed.
- Maintain Yard and Exteriors: This one is a no-brainer. You have to remove clutter, wood piles, and debris from the yard, which can otherwise work as shelters for many pests, especially rodents. If you have excess vegetation near the foundation, or if tree branches reach the main building and windows, consider calling a landscaping expert to clean it all. While standing water is mostly responsible for mosquitoes, you should still drain unused pots and containers to keep rodents from seeking water.
- Address Moisture Issues: Make sure you fix all leaks and moisture problems, especially in laundry areas and basements. Because summers in Manchester are often humid, you may want to install dehumidifiers inside your home. If there are plumbing issues, get a professional team to take care of all that.
- Don’t Depend on Traps Alone: Homeowners often assume that placing traps around the house will help catch and remove rodents, which is a myth. The fact is that trap placement has to be done strategically, and only trained pest technicians know how to plan the process. Also, never use rodenticides, even if you find access to them. Many chemicals are extremely dangerous and shouldn’t be used without knowledge.
Call Professionals for Recurring Infestations
There is no way to replace the expertise and experience that pest control companies have. No matter how many DIY ideas you try, those can only fix immediate concerns. Unlike small insects, rodents are hard to remove, and don’t just go away randomly. Because rats and mice can spread many diseases and pose other risks, including damage to wires, insulation, and structural components, you have to act fast. Look for a local pest control service in Manchester so that you can get their support for immediate rodent problems. You can even consider getting a detailed annual plan, which will include inspections every quarter and steps before the cooler months.