Rodents aren’t just annoying little visitors, they’re destructive, dirty, and downright dangerous. They chew through wires, gnaw on timber, ruin insulation, and leave behind a trail of contamination in your kitchen and pantry. Even worse, rats and mice are known to spread serious diseases.

And here’s the kicker: once they find a way in, they breed fast. What starts as a small scratching in the walls can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation that’s costly to fix.

The good news? You don’t have to wait until it gets that bad. The best way to stay rodent-free is through prevention. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to keep rodents away with proven tips you can put into action today.

Why You Don’t Want Rodents in Your Home

Before we jump into prevention, let’s cover why it’s so important.

Health risks: Rodents carry bacteria and viruses that can trigger allergies, asthma, and serious illnesses. Their droppings and urine are anything but harmless.
Property damage: Rats and mice have strong teeth and a constant need to gnaw. They chew through electrical wiring, destroy insulation, and even weaken timber structures.
Hidden costs: Ignoring rodent prevention can lead to expensive repairs, food contamination, and even fire risks from chewed wires.

If you’ve ever wondered what attracts rodents, it usually comes down to three things: food, water, and shelter. Eliminate those, and you’ve already taken the first step in rodent prevention.

How Rodents Get In: Common Entry Points

So, how do rodents get in? The truth is, they’re masters of squeezing through tiny spaces. In fact, a mouse can wriggle through a gap as small as a 5-cent coin.

Here are some of the most common rodent entry points:

Cracks in walls, foundations, or rooflines.
Weep holes, chimneys, and vents.
Gaps around pipes, air conditioning ducts, and garage doors.

If you don’t seal holes to prevent rodents, you’re basically rolling out the welcome mat.

Rodent-Proofing Your Home: Step-by-Step

The secret to a rodent-proof home is in the details. Here’s a step-by-step plan to shut the door on unwanted visitors.

Seal the Gaps

Use rodent-resistant materials like steel wool, wire mesh, caulk, or expanding foam to block access. Install door sweeps on exterior doors, and don’t forget to check under sinks and behind appliances.

This is the most effective way to seal holes to prevent rodents once and for all.

Secure Your Roof and Attic

Rats love climbing trees and scurrying along rooflines. Trim back overhanging branches and install mesh covers on vents and chimneys.

These steps are essential if you want to prevent mice in the attic, which is a favourite nesting spot thanks to insulation and warmth.

Keep Food & Waste Locked Away

Rodents are opportunistic feeders. That half-empty cereal box? It’s an open buffet.

Store food in airtight containers.
Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
Empty pet bowls overnight.
Invest in rodent-proof bins with tight-fitting lids.

Remove Nesting Opportunities

Rats and mice love cluttered spaces where they can hide and build nests.

Declutter sheds, garages, and storage areas.
Store firewood and garden piles at least a metre away from walls.
Keep cardboard and fabric stored off the floor.

Outdoor Prevention Tips

Rodent control isn’t just an indoor job — the outside of your home plays a big role. Here are some rodent prevention tips to help keep rats away:

Trim trees and shrubs that touch the roof.
Keep your lawn neat and short.
Clear out leaf litter, compost piles, and standing water.
Use gravel barriers or rodent-proof fencing around gardens.

A tidy, well-maintained yard is far less attractive to rodents than an overgrown jungle.

Natural & DIY Rodent Deterrents

If you’re looking for natural rodent repellents, there are a few household tricks that can help. While they won’t replace full-proofing, they can make your home less inviting.

Peppermint oil, ammonia, or vinegar sprays: Strong smells that rodents dislike.
Ultrasonic repellents: These devices emit high-frequency sounds, but results are mixed. They may deter rodents short-term but won’t solve a larger problem.
Cats and dogs: Pets can act as natural deterrents, though not every furry friend is a born hunter.
Traps: Great for early detection, but not enough on their own if you’re dealing with a colony.

When it comes to the best way to keep rodents out, nothing beats physical barriers and proper hygiene. DIY methods are best used as add-ons, not your main defence.

When Prevention Isn’t Enough: Professional Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, rodents still find their way in. This is when professional rodent control becomes essential.

Signs you might need help include:

Droppings in cupboards or along skirting boards.
Noises in the walls or roof at night.
Chewed wires, gnawed packaging, or nesting material.

A licensed technician can provide a full rodent removal service, which usually includes:

A detailed inspection of your property.
Identifying and blocking entry points.
Safe baiting or trapping solutions.
Long-term management to prevent re-infestation.

FAQs About Rodent Prevention

What smell do rodents hate the most?Rodents dislike strong scents like peppermint oil, vinegar, and ammonia — which makes them common natural rodent repellents.

Can rats chew through steel wool?They may try, but when packed tightly into cracks and combined with caulk, steel wool is one of the best ways to seal holes to prevent rodents.

How do I rodent-proof my roof?Trim back overhanging trees, install chimney caps, and use vent covers. These are simple yet effective rodent proofing methods.

Do ultrasonic repellents actually work?They can work temporarily, but rodents often get used to them. They’re better used alongside other DIY rodent deterrents.

What attracts rodents the most?Food scraps, unsecured rubbish, water sources, and clutter are the top culprits when it comes to what attracts rodents.

Keep Rodents Out for Good

The bottom line? Rodent prevention is far easier — and cheaper — than dealing with an active infestation. By following these steps for rodent proofing, you can keep rats and mice where they belong: out of your home.

If you suspect rodent activity or want expert prevention advice, contact CPR Pest Services today on 1300 580 407. Our team provides tailored rodent-proofing solutions to protect your home and family.