A new year means resolutions for us to make and (hopefully) commit. You know the drill-diet, exercise, eat out less to save money, etc. One resolution you may have is to keep squirrels, mice, raccoons and other rodents from making a home in your home. So how do you keep these unwanted animals out of your home in 2016? Well, it’s lot easier than joining a gym, cutting out sweets or brown bagging it to lunch. A little preventative maintenance will keep your home critter free.

First and foremost, stop rodents from finding a way into your home. Take half an hour to walk around your home, looking for ways critters could enter. Write down what needs to be done and measure gaps. A good rule of thumb: if a pencil can slip under a door, then a mouse can get under it. Mice and rats can flatten their rib cages to fit through gaps. If their head can fit through, their body can follow. Seal these gaps immediately.

Rodents are usually nocturnal and are not likely to gain entry through open doors and windows during the day. But one exception may be when they are under pressure to find food and shelter. Then they may take the risk of venturing out during the day, so keep doors and windows closed at all times if possible.

Now that you removed the shelter, make sure to remove all the food sources. Check for food that might have been spilled behind your refrigerator or under furniture. Confirm cereals, flour, rice and other foods are stored in sealed containers.

In the event you do get some unwanted guests in 2016, it’s best to get a professional to remove them. Critter Control of the Triangle has many techniques to prevent squirrels, raccoons and other animals from entering your home, as well as techniques to remove them. Give the wildlife experts of Critter Control of the Triangle a call 919-382-0651 in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Cary NC and the Wake County, Triangle area.