Record drought has created another problem for us -- a little, furry problem: rodents are increasingly trying to get into our homes to find something to drink, as well as eat.
Rats and mice might be content to live outdoors when rainfall is plentiful, but at the moment, it is not.
"They need water and food like we all do, but it's getting harder to find outside," said Dr. Claudette Reichel, professor emeritus at the LSU Ag Center.
Dr. Reichel says that has the furry little beasts more interested in getting into our homes.
"They're probably making stronger efforts than usual to seek it out in buildings," she said.
Dr. Reichel recommends keeping the spaces closest to your home clear, so there's less nesting material, and inspect you home for any small openings they could use to get inside -- cover them with a corrosion-resistant metal screen.
If they do get in, then it's time to get some traps, or call a professional exterminator for help.
