Your mobile home has a few features that set it apart from site-built houses— and unfortunately, pests know it. The enclosed sub-area beneath your floor and the skirting around your home’s perimeter are prime real estate for rodents, ants, and insects looking for a cozy place to settle in. The good news? A little seasonal attention goes a long way.
Start at the Perimeter. Walk the outside of your home and look for gaps around utility lines, doors, and windows. Plug any openings with copper mesh or caulk. Copper is ideal because, unlike steel, it won’t rust over time. For your skirting, make sure it’s made of a durable material like vinyl, metal, or brick and that it creates a tight seal with the ground. Some homeowners bury a strip of aluminum coil along the base to stop burrowing rodents in their tracks.
Don’t Overlook the Underbelly. The protective fabric wrapping the underside of your home, called the belly wrap, can tear over time, giving pests a direct path into your insulation. Check for damage and repair any tears promptly. While you’re at it, clear out any debris or trash that’s collected in that space.
Natural Deterrents That Actually Work. Prefer to skip the chemicals? Pepper-mint oil sprayed along baseboards, cayenne pepper scattered in the dirt around your home, and pest-repelling plants like lavender or rosemary near your skirting can all help keep unwanted visitors away.
When to Call a Pro. Deep infestations, especially inside the underbelly, often require professional help. Whether you’re dealing with an active problem or just want peace of mind, now is the perfect time for a seasonal inspection before pests move in for the warmer months. ■
Source: Newport Exterminating
