It’s summer in Markham, and while the season should be full of barbecues, garden parties, and warm evenings, it can also bring some unwelcome visitors. Are you inviting rodents to your home this summer without even realizing it? Sometimes, small habits or overlooked areas in your house can make it irresistible to these pests. To keep your home safe, summer rodent prevention is key. You’ll need to take steps to keep rodents out of your home and rodent-proof your house.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’ve seen it all when it comes to rodents sneaking into houses across Markham. The good news? Once you understand what’s drawing them in, you can take steps to stop them. Below, we’ll explore some of the main reasons rodents are attracted to homes in the summer and share simple tips to help you protect your house.

Why Are Rodents Drawn To Homes During Summer?

Rodents don’t come into your home for fun. They’re on the hunt for food, water, and shelter. Many houses, without the homeowners knowing, provide everything they need. Here are the most common reasons why they might be sneaking into your home this summer.

Easy Access To Food

Food left out or improperly stored is like a buffet for rodents. They can sniff out even the smallest crumbs and will enter your home hunting for a meal. During the summer, outdoor eating and backyard barbecues often increase the chances of food being left behind, and that attracts rodents like mice and rats.

What Can You Do?

• Always clean up after meals, both indoors and outdoors.
• Store food in sealed containers, including snacks and pet food.
• Take out the trash regularly, and use bins that seal tightly.
• Sweep and wipe down counters frequently to remove crumbs and spills.

Water Sources Attract Rodents

Water is just as important to rodents as food, and they’ll look for it wherever they can. Things like leaky faucets, dripping pipes, and even puddles in the yard can provide the water rodents need to survive. 

During summer, when you’re likely using more water for gardening or outdoor activities, the risk of attracting rodents becomes even higher. Buckets of water, pet bowls left outside, and areas where water pools after watering your plants can all serve as reliable hydration points for these pests.

To prevent rodents from finding water around your home, start by fixing any faucets or pipes that are leaking indoors and outdoors. Even small drips can attract rodents looking for an easy source of water. Make it a habit to empty buckets, pet water bowls, and any other containers that hold standing water at the end of each day. 

After watering your garden, check the area for puddles and make sure the soil or surfaces are dry. By taking these simple steps, you can make your home much less attractive to rodents and help keep them away all summer long.

Rodent-Friendly Shelter

Rodents are always searching for a safe, sheltered place to build their nests. They’ll make use of cluttered storage areas, cracks in walls, or overgrown yards. If your home has plenty of hiding spots, you might accidentally be offering them a place to stay.

What Can You Do?

• Seal any gaps or cracks in your walls, windows, doors, and foundation.
• Declutter spaces like basements, attics, and garages, where rodents love to hide.
• Keep bushes and tree branches trimmed so they don’t touch the sides of your home.
• Store firewood or other materials at least 20 feet away from your house.

Warmth And Security

Even though summer days are warm, rodents may still look for consistent shelter as nights cool down. Homes in Markham provide a stable environment, with plenty of insulation, quiet spaces, and safety from natural predators.

What Can You Do?

• Use weather stripping on doors and windows to block possible entry points.
• Check your home for small holes or cracks and seal them up using caulking or steel wool.
• Make sure attics, crawl spaces, and other overlooked areas are inspected regularly and kept secure.

Gardens And Yards

Spending time in your garden is one of the joys of summer, but did you know that it might also be inviting rodents to your home? Gardens can provide everything they need to survive, from food to shelter. Ripe fruits and vegetables are like a feast for rodents, while overgrown grass or weeds provide the perfect hiding spots. 

Even compost bins, which are great for reducing waste, can become a buffet if not properly managed. Piled-up firewood or building materials in your yard are also ideal places for rodents to nest, especially if they are close to your house.

To reduce the chances of rodents taking over your yard, keep your garden tidy and well-maintained. Harvest your fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ripe, so they don’t become a snack for unwanted guests. If you use a compost bin, make sure it’s securely sealed and avoid tossing food scraps directly onto open piles, which can attract rodents with their smell. 

Keep your grass trimmed and remove weeds regularly to eliminate potential hiding spots. If you store firewood or supplies outdoors, place them on a raised platform and ensure they’re at least 20 feet away from your home. By taking these preventive measures, you can enjoy your garden without worrying about rodents making themselves comfortable.

Summer Rodent Prevention Tips

To make sure your home is fully prepared this summer, here are extra tips to complement your efforts at keeping rodents out.

• Inspect Your Home Regularly: Walk around your home periodically and look for signs of rodents, such as droppings, gnawed materials, or musty odours.
• Declutter Inside And Out: Remove old paper, boxes, or unused furniture where rodents might hide inside the house. Keep your yard neat and tidy, too.
• Invest in Sealing Materials: Steel wool, caulking, and wire mesh can be your best allies for rodent-proofing. Use these to block small holes and cracks in your home.
• Secure Pet Spaces: If you have pets, clean up spilled food and water quickly. Store pet food in sealed containers.
• Focus On Prevention: Rodent-proofing your house is easier and less stressful than dealing with a full-blown infestation. Stay proactive!

What Makes Skedaddle Different For Rodent Prevention?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, rodents still make their way into your home. That’s where we can help. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Markham, we understand exactly how rodents enter homes and how to stop them. One of our most effective tools is the use of one-way doors that allow wildlife to exit your home safely but completely block them from coming back in.

Our experts focus on providing long-term solutions by identifying and repairing vulnerable areas around your home. When you work with us, you won’t just get rid of rodents for now—we’ll help ensure they stay out for good.

Protect Your Home This Summer With Skedaddle

Summer rodent prevention starts with understanding what might attract rodents to your home. From securing food and water to sealing gaps and maintaining your garden, every action helps keep these pests out. However, if rodents are already in your home or you want to ensure it’s fully secure, we’re here for you.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Markham, we use humane, effective methods to rodent-proof your house. With tools like our one-way doors, we make sure rodents leave your home without the chance to get back in.

Want to rodent-proof your house this summer? Request an estimate today to learn how Skedaddle can help keep your home rodent-free. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your space is protected!