When it comes to pest control, prevention is always better than cure. Eliminating rodents like rats and mice can be difficult and time consuming, and focusing on prevention can help avert a situation arising in the first place. So, what preventative measures should you be taking to keep rodents at bay?

One of the first things to do to deter any pests is ensure that you clean up your home regularly, both inside and outside. This makes it more difficult for rodents to hide, and also prevents rodents from getting easy access to nesting material.This is especially important in your garden, so make sure you regularly clean up debris that could be put to use by rodents.

Another very effective preventative method is to introduce a dog or cat to your home. This may not be practical or desirable in some situations, but if you like the idea of a pet then this is one of the most effective ways to make vermin like rats and mice think twice before setting up their base in your home.

If you can't get a cat or dog to help with your pest control, then you can also use their hair or urine as an effective deterrent. If you've got a friend living nearby who has a pet, then bring it around for a few hours or sprinkle some hairs around the outside of your property and this could be enough to deter even the boldest of rodents.

Lastly, make sure that you don't give any pests a helping hand by providing them with a ready supply of food. Rodents cannot survive for long without a regular food supply, so for effective pest control make sure any food is stored away properly in durable containers, especially if you have any animal grain on your premises.

Rodents can be a real menace once they decide to make a home for themselves in your property. Focus on prevention rather than elimination by taking just a few simple precautionary steps, and you'll stop them from becoming a problem in the first place.