An “Eek!” Preview: Warm Weather Brings Rats And Mice (NAPSA)—As the days get longer, baseball practice, weddings and spring cleaning are bound to make their way onto families’ to-dolists. Unfortunately, humans aren’t the only ones taking advantage of the warm, wet spring weather. Rats and mice can often be seen searching for food and water sources that evaded them all winter long. Rodent prevention is a key facet of any spring cleaning regimen and nationally renowned home improvement expert Lou Manfredini, aka “Mr. Fix-It,” offers tips on how you can keep your homefree of rats and mice: * Rodents thrive on food, water and shelter. Mr. Fix-It, Lou Man- fredini, recommends putting your pet’s food and water away overnight, as well as storing garbage in sealable metal or thick plastic containers. Dishes andutensils should be washed immediately after use and food should never be left out. Avoid stacking newspapers, cardboard boxes, firewood and lumber in or near your house—all make cozy homesfor rodents. Keep your home clean and use a disinfectant to rid your home of bacteria that may be left by rodents. Rats and mice often carry diseases, including hantavirus and bubonic plague. * Caulk any cracked walls and/or areas around entry points leading to the outdoors—ittis especially crucial in the warm spring and summer months whenrodents may try to enter your home in search of water. One pair of mice can generate more than 15,000 descendants in a 12-month span! a Gl Keeping your home clean is a good way to keep out uninvited guests, such as rats and mice. Even if rodents have not yet invaded your home, it’s important that you be proactive and prepared with baits and traps on hand, such as those made by d-CON Rodenticides. These are safe and highly effective when used in accordance with label directions. Rodenticides should alwaysbe kept out of reach of children andpets. * Rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes each year. If you suspect your home may have played host to unwanted guests, give it a good sweep. Clean your attic, basement and everything in between. “Spring is the perfect time to ensure that your home remains a rodent-free zone,” says Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini. “Cleaning, sweeping and laying baits or traps are key to keeping rats and mice away from your house.”
