Rodent Control: How Rodents Get Into Your Home (And What to Do About It)

Rodents are more than just an annoyance — mice and rats can cause serious damage to homes and create health concerns for families. Many homeowners are surprised to learn how easily rodents can get inside and how quickly a small issue can turn into a bigger problem.

Understanding the signs of rodent activity and how to prevent it is the first step to protecting your home.

How Rodents Get Inside

Mice and rats are incredibly resourceful. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter, and rats only need slightly more space. Common entry points include:

• Gaps around doors and garage seals

• Cracks in the foundation

• Openings around utility lines and pipes

• Vents and crawl space openings

• Attics and roofline gaps

Once inside, rodents look for warmth, food, and nesting materials — all things homes naturally provide.

Signs You May Have Rodents

Rodents are often active at night, so you may not see them right away. Some of the most common signs include:

• Droppings in cabinets, garages, or along walls

• Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings

• Gnawed food packaging, wires, or wood

• Grease marks or tracks along baseboards

• Nests made from insulation, paper, or fabric

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s important to act quickly. Seeing one rodent usually means there are more nearby.

Why Rodents Are a Problem

Rodents can cause damage and health concerns if left untreated:

• Chewing on electrical wires increases fire risk

• Damage to insulation and ductwork reduces energy efficiency

• Droppings and urine can contaminate food and surfaces

• Rodents can carry bacteria and parasites into the home

Because rodents reproduce quickly, early intervention makes a big difference.

Why DIY Rodent Control Often Falls Short

Store-bought traps and repellents may catch individual rodents, but they usually don’t address the root of the problem. Without finding and sealing entry points, rodents can continue to enter the home.

Effective rodent control focuses on:

• Identifying how rodents are getting inside

• Removing existing rodents safely

• Preventing future entry

This is why professional rodent control is often the most effective long-term solution.

How to Help Prevent Rodents

Homeowners can reduce the risk of rodent activity by:

• Sealing visible gaps and cracks around the exterior

• Keeping garages and doors tightly sealed

• Storing food in sealed containers

• Reducing clutter near the foundation

• Trimming vegetation away from the home

These steps help, but if rodents are already present, professional help may be needed to fully resolve the issue.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re hearing noises, finding droppings, or noticing damage, it’s best to address the problem sooner rather than later. Professional rodent control can help identify entry points, remove rodents, and protect your home from future infestations.

At Bug Shockers, we focus on prevention, not just trapping — helping homeowners in the Wichita and KC area keep rodents out for good.

Have questions or ready to schedule an appointment? Fill out this form. https://portal.gorilladesk.com/bugshockers/contact

call or text us (316) 775-7867 (913) 222-2847 (620) 221-2847