12 Hidden Spots in Your Home That Attract Rodents

This post may contain affiliate links.

Rodents can be a nuisance when they invade your home. They cause damage to your property and pose health risks due to the diseases they carry. While you may think keeping your home clean and free from food sources will prevent rodents from entering, some hidden spots in your home can attract them.

In this article, we will discuss hidden spots to which you should pay attention.

Under Appliances

Rodents love warm and cozy places, so they may seek shelter under appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers. These appliances provide a dark and secluded spot for rodents to hide and build nests. Regularly check and clean under your appliances to ensure no gaps or openings for rodents to enter.

Inside Cabinets and Pantries

Since rodents like to gravitate towards food, finding them hiding in your cabinets and pantries would be no revelation. Keep all food items in sealed containers and clean up any crumbs or spills that could attract rodents. A few drops of peppermint oil in a cotton ball at the cabinet corners also works as a rodent repellent.

Attic

Attics are warm, dark, and secluded, providing perfect rodent shelter. Rodents may also find insulation and cardboard boxes to inhabit and create bedding. To prevent this from happening in your home, check your attic for rodents at least twice a month and seal any openings you may find in or around it; additionally, we recommend keeping the area clean and free of clutter.

Chimney

Chimneys make it simple for rats and mice to get inside your house. They can crawl up your chimney and nest there. Fit a chimney cap or mesh to keep pests at bay, and check your cap for damage or gaps regularly.

Crawl Spaces

Photo Credit: Marcel Hufschmidt /Shutterstock

Most homes leave crawl spaces out, making them perfect spots for rodents to hide. They may also have gaps or cracks that provide easy entry points for rodents. Use the netting to close entry points and clean them thoroughly so mice won´t nest in those places.

Garage

If the garage has openings or cracks, rodents can enter your home. They are also attracted to stored items like pet food or birdseed. To help ward off these rodents, keep the door closed, seal all openings, and put items in sealed containers.

Laundry Room

As Horizontal Pest Control attests, laundry rooms are ideal rodent hiding spots due to their warm and damp conditions. Inspect behind washers and dryers for signs of rodent activity and keep the area free from clutter and debris.

Basement

Since basements are commonly wet and gloomy, they are favored places for rats. Look for cracks or openings, and keep your basement clean and clutter-free. You also can lower humidity with a dehumidifier, which would be less attractive to rats.

Trash Area

Innovative Solutions for Tackling Unpleasant Odors in Your Home — Photo Credit: Pixabay

According to Rodent stop, rodents are attracted to trash because it provides a potential food source. Keep your trash area clean and regularly remove the garbage to prevent rodents from being drawn to your home. You can also use a secure trash can with a lid to prevent rodents from accessing the contents.

Underneath Furniture

If you rarely move your furniture, like your couch or bed, expect rodents to hide in areas underneath them. Do not allow any openings or living spots under your furniture; clean it regularly.

Foundation

Gaps or cracks also allow rodents easy access to your home. Inspect your foundation and seal any openings to prevent rodents from entering. You may also use wire mesh or steal wool to seal any gaps.

Outdoor Structures

Sheds, decks, and playhouses outside can be a massive draw for rodents if they offer shelter or food. These areas should be free from foraging materials and damages that result in openings for rodents to enter.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.