As a homeowner, it is your obligation to keep rodents out of your home. Rodents can cause extensive damage to the structure of your home. They can also destroy insulation and electrical wires. Rodents are not only destructive, but they carry diseases that can be harmful to both humans and pets. The question is, what is the homeowner responsible for in regards to rodent damage?
How Is The Homeowner Responsible?
The homeowner is responsible because they are the owners of the property where the rodent damage occurred. The owner of the property needs to maintain it, and if they fail to take care of the property, then they will be liable for all damages that occur on that property.
If you don’t maintain your property’s exterior, then mice will find their way inside and cause damage to your home. You should always inspect outside around the foundation of your home for holes and cracks that need sealing; otherwise, mice will get into your house and destroy things like insulation or drywall inside walls or ceilings. This is why it is important to keep up with regular maintenance on your exterior.
How Can A Homeowner Protect Themselves From Rodent Damage?
The best way to protect your home from rodents is to keep them out in the first place. Here’s what you can do:
Clean up food and water sources.
Rodents are attracted by food, so clean out your cupboards, cabinets, and pantry regularly. Also, make sure there aren’t any dirty dishes in the sink or out on the counters.
Remove hiding places.
Rodents love dark places to hide, so store excess clutter and move furniture away from walls.
Seal off outside entry points.
Assemble caulk or steel wool to fill all cracks and crevices throughout your property. Particular care should be paid to the areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
Install snap traps or other control devices.
You can set these snap traps up in areas where rodents travel — around sinks and appliances, near baseboards, or behind furniture. Make sure they’re safe for pets and children if you have them in your home.
What Can You Do About Rodent Damage?
If you discover rodent damage in your home, don’t wait until it is too late to repair the damages caused by rodents. If the rat infestation or mouse problem is not addressed promptly, you may be facing a much bigger problem than just damage to your home. It is advisable to contact an exterminator immediately to help you deal with the issue before it becomes too big. Your first step in repairing rodent damage should be calling a pest control company that specializes in rodent removal and control services like Granada Pest Control.