(NAPSA)—Whether Mother Nature has wreaked havoc on homes or a neighbor has beenbit- ten by the remodeling bug, Ameri- cans nationwide have embarked on massive construction and reconstruction efforts. In fact, a recent Home Improvement Research Institute report found that 52 percent of recent home- buyers completed one or more improvements within the first year of purchase and half were planning at least one more project within the next year. Any time ground is broken, whether by construction or otherwise, its natural inhabitants, mice and rats, who once made their homes outdoors, will begin traveling indoors seeking food, When remodeling, beware of mice and rats. and trees that are near the house to prevent rodents from nesting in these areas. Additionally, be dili- gent about trash removal, it only water and shelter. Sometell-tale provides another homeforpests. gested areas. If your cat or dog paws excitedly at the base of your rodents do notlike the smell. Never leave food or water out overnight, even for your pets. If signs of infestation include scampering or gnawing soundslate at night and droppings in noncon- refrigerator or walls, it may be because of the smell of vermin. Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, offers the following tips on ways to help avoid rodent infestation: e Mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a dime. Be sure to inspect your home and seal up all potential entrances with steel wool, sheet metal or cement. Or better yet, seal holes and cracks with clay mixed with cayenne pepper. It’s a taste they won’t forget. * Keep piles of firewood or debris away from the foundation of your home andtrim all bushes Sprinkle a little powdered laundry detergent near the foundation; your pets do their business in the backyard, make sure to pick up after them daily. * Be proactive and keep a sup- ply of d-CON Rodenticides on hand. Regular baiting and trap- ping helps deter rodents. If you squirm at the thought of removing a dead rodent, try d-CON’s No View, No Touch™ Mouse Trap, which kills the mouse and keepsit concealed in the trap for clean and easy disposal. For more information on rodent prevention or for a free brochure, call d-CON at 1-800-395-3266.
