Common Things That Attract Rodents to Your Home 1. Easy Access to Food Rodents have an incredible sense of smell and are drawn to kitchens, pantries, and even pet food bowls. Crumbs on the floor, unsealed containers, and trash left out overnight are open invitations. 2. Standing Water or Leaks Just like any other pest, rodents need water to survive. Leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and pet water bowls can attract rodents to your home—especially during dry weather. 3. Clutter and Hiding Places Mice and rats love dark, undisturbed areas. Attics, basements, garages, and crawl spaces filled with clutter make perfect nesting spots. Stacks of cardboard, firewood near the foundation, or overgrown vegetation can also provide shelter. 4. Openings and Gaps in the Home’s Structure Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Cracks in the foundation, loose siding, and unsealed utility lines are all potential entry points. Even gaps under doors or broken vent screens can be enough to let them in. 5. Warmth and Shelter During colder months, homes offer a warm refuge. This makes winter one of the most common times for rodent infestations in Chattanooga . How to Prevent Rodent Infestations Seal Entry Points Inspect your home’s exterior and seal any holes, cracks, or gaps. Use steel wool or metal flashing for best results, as rodents can chew through foam and caulk. Store Food Properly Keep food in airtight containers and clean up spills immediately. Don’t forget about pet food, bird seed, and trash bins—all common attractants for rodents. Eliminate Moisture Sources Fix leaks quickly and ensure your gutters and downspouts are working properly. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces. Declutter and Maintain Landscaping Keep storage areas tidy and eliminate potential nesting materials. Trim bushes, remove yard debris, and store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house. Schedule Regular Inspections A professional rodent inspection can catch signs of an infestation early. At GPM Termite & Pest Solutions, we offer monthly rodent control in Chattanooga to ensure your home stays protected all year long. Partner with GPM for Reliable Rodent Control in Chattanooga If you're seeing signs of rodents—like droppings, gnawed wires, or scratching in the walls—it’s time to call in the pros. With over 40 years of experience, GPM Termite & Pest Solutions offers safe, effective rodent removal and prevention for homes and businesses across the Chattanooga area. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and find out how our expert team can help you keep mice and rats out for good.
Moisture: The Root of Most Crawl Space Problems Chattanooga’s humid climate creates ideal conditions for excess moisture to collect in crawl spaces. Poor drainage, plumbing leaks, and unsealed vents can lead to damp or wet crawl space conditions, which can cause: Wood rot and weakened structural supports High indoor humidity levels Mold and mildew growth A breeding ground for pests and fungus Without proper moisture control, your crawl space becomes a hazard to both your home’s integrity and your family’s health. Fungus: Silent Damage Below Your Floors Where there’s moisture, fungus isn’t far behind. Many Chattanooga homes suffer from wood-decay fungus in the crawl space, which feeds on damp wooden beams and floor joists. This type of fungus can spread unnoticed for years, quietly compromising the structure of your home. If your crawl space smells musty or your floors feel soft, fungus remediation may be needed. Pests: The Hidden Invasion Crawl spaces are the perfect hideout for rodents, termites, ants, spiders, cockroaches, and even snakes. The dark, moist conditions offer shelter, and any wood-to-soil contact or gaps in the foundation provide easy access. Once pests get in, they can: Chew through insulation, wires, and wood Create nests and reproduce quickly Move from the crawl space into living areas Trigger allergies and spread bacteria Monthly pest control from a trusted provider like GPM Termite & Pest Solutions helps prevent these issues before they take hold. Crawl Space Encapsulation: A Long-Term Solution The best way to keep your crawl space clean, dry, and pest-free is through professional crawl space encapsulation. This process involves sealing the area with a durable vapor barrier, installing proper ventilation, and managing moisture levels. The result is a controlled environment that helps prevent: Fungus growth and wood decay Pest infestations Costly structural repairs High energy bills caused by humidity At GPM, we combine encapsulation, moisture control, and pest prevention to protect your home from the ground up. Schedule Your Crawl Space Inspection Today If it’s been years since anyone’s looked under your home—or if you’ve noticed musty smells, soft flooring, or increased pest activity—it’s time for a closer look. GPM Termite & Pest Solutions offers comprehensive crawl space inspections, fungus remediation, and long-term encapsulation solutions for homeowners across Chattanooga, TN. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can protect your crawl space—and everything above it.
