Rodents are a serious problem in many homes, spreading diseases through their droppings and urine, chewing on wires and insulation, and creating gnawed nests. Proper rodent removal can protect your health and home.
Mice and rats reproduce fast, so one rat caught today could have hundreds of babies, grandbabies, and great-grandbabies by tomorrow. That’s why proactive rodent control is so important. Visit https://www.rodentretreattexas.com/ to learn more.
Rodents are notorious for carrying and spreading disease. They also cause a wide array of damage to property and personal belongings, and can lead to costly structural repairs if left unchecked. Despite the many DIY traps and poisons available at hardware stores, most rodent infestations are best handled by professional pest control services.
Unlike store-bought traps, which only address the symptoms of a problem, rodent control involves eliminating the rodent population and stopping them from returning. A qualified pest control company will inspect your home’s exterior and attic to find entry points, as well as search for gnaw marks, droppings, greasy rub marks, and nesting material.
Rodents live in the dark and often crawl into wall voids, attics, basements, and other hidden spaces to shelter from the elements. They will often chew through drywall, insulation, and other materials to make their way inside. In addition, gnawing can cause major structural damage to homes and businesses, while their droppings can contaminate food surfaces and trigger allergies and respiratory issues in people and pets.
The first signs of a rodent problem are usually hearing faint scurrying sounds in your walls or kitchen cabinets. Other common signs of a rat or mouse infestation are droppings, puddles of urine, and a musty odor. Since rodents have weak bladders, they will frequently urinate on themselves and other objects. This will leave greasy rub marks that can be easily spotted.
It is also important to keep in mind that rodents reproduce rapidly, so a small problem can quickly turn into a huge one without the proper intervention. Store-bought traps and poisons will only address a portion of the problem, and can result in serious health and safety concerns for your family and pets. A reputable pest control company can offer the right solutions for your specific needs and budget, while identifying and solving the root problems that allowed the problem to start in the first place. For example, a blocked gutter may be allowing water to get into your attic or foundation. By repairing the gutter, you will help prevent water from getting into your home and causing damage that can be difficult to fix.
Exclusion
Rodents like mice and rats may look cute and furry but they’re unwelcome guests in any home. They damage property, create a fire hazard, and spread diseases to humans through bite wounds and through germs in their droppings, urine, and saliva. They also stir up dust and allergens when they nest in insulation. They breed quickly, and a few rodents can turn into a full-scale infestation in weeks.
If you suspect rodents are in your house, you should act fast before the problem gets worse. Rats and mice can chew their way through many types of construction materials to enter your home. And once they’re inside, they can continue breeding and cause more damage in the future.
Signs of a rat or mouse infestation can include dark droppings in cabinets, cupboards, and drawers; oily marks on walls, floors, baseboards, and furniture; nighttime scurrying noises in attics and walls; gnaw marks on wood or walls; and shredded paper or packaging. You should also look for burrows in your yard and under decks, sheds, or in overgrown weeds.
An experienced pest control professional will find all the entry points for rodents and eliminate them through exclusionary measures. For example, if you see a hole in the exterior wall, your technician can reinforce it with steel wool and close off any other openings. They will also examine your landscaping and may recommend trimming trees or removing brush that is too close to the roof of your home.
It’s important to store food in containers with tight lids, sweep up crumbs regularly, and clean garbage cans. This will deter rodents and help keep your home healthy and free of odors and insects that can attract them. Your pest control professional will provide preventive treatments that will reduce your risk of rodents in the future, including repellants, natural odors for deterrence, and exterior eradication treatments.
Repellents
When mice or rats enter your home, they can wreak havoc on your food supplies and property, spreading diseases and creating unsanitary conditions. Many homeowners resort to various methods and products, including mothballs, sprays, and ultrasonic and electronic repellents, in an attempt to keep rodents away. Unfortunately, many of these products and DIY solutions have limited efficacy and can be hazardous to children, pets, and your health.
While sprayed repellents may offer some short-term success, they are typically ineffective against determined rodents. These pests can quickly become accustomed to their environment and easily find their way around barriers, leaving the repellent with little or no impact. Additionally, these products can be toxic to pets and humans if ingested or inhaled, which is particularly dangerous for children.
One common method of homemade rodent repellent involves mixing rubbing alcohol or vinegar with water in a spray bottle and then spritzing it in areas where the rodents have been seen. These mixtures, however, have limited efficacy and require constant reapplication. In addition, the rubbing alcohol or vinegar can also burn skin and damage surfaces.
Another popular DIY rat repellent is the use of peppermint oil, which can be found in many household items like laundry detergents or gum. The idea behind this method is that the strong minty scent will repel rodents and deter them from entering your home. Like other strong-scented methods, however, the effectiveness of this deterrent is largely limited and often dissipates over time for several reasons, such as the rodents becoming used to the scent or the scent becoming weak or faded.
Electronic and ultrasonic rodent repellent devices emit high-frequency sounds that are undetectable to human ears but are unpleasant for rodents, causing them to leave your property. These devices are relatively easy to use and provide an effective alternative to sonic or electronic repellents, although they can be irritating for children and pets. Other repellents include scented pouches and packs, which are available in a variety of scents, and non-toxic granules or pellets that can be scattered in yards or interior spaces.
Prevention
Rodents aren’t just a nuisance, they can also cause serious damage to the structures of your home or business. They carry and spread diseases such as hantavirus, salmonella, leptospirosis, and the plague. They can also contaminate food and kitchen surfaces. The gnawing of rodents can damage drywall, wood, and wiring. They can also chew through pipes and lead to water leaks that can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. The odors of their droppings can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.
Rodents are attracted to foods that are stored improperly, unprotected garbage cans and trash bins, pet foods and water bowls left out, and open windows or doors. They can enter your property through holes around the outside of your home, cracked foundations, loose or missing shingles, and unsealed utility pipes. Regular inspections can help you identify potential entry points, especially where pipes enter your house through the wall or ceiling, and the gaps surrounding doors and windows. Look for gnaw marks and signs of scurrying. You may also notice greasy rub marks and the telltale whiff of rodent urine.
Outside your home, piles of leaves or wood, cluttered debris and long grass can provide ideal nesting places for mice, rats, and other rodents. Keep your yard clean and free of these enticing objects, and regularly trim trees to eliminate their hiding spots.
If you see any signs of a rodent infestation, don’t hesitate to contact Top Notch Pest Control Corp for assistance. Our trained technicians can seal entry points and provide effective repellents to prevent future infestations.
Preventative measures can reduce the need for rodent control and improve your overall quality of life. Routinely inspecting your property, storing food and garbage in rodent-proof containers, removing food sources and other attractions for rodents, keeping the inside of your home tidy, and reducing clutter are all effective methods to keep rodents away. We also recommend implementing a combination of preventive strategies for the best results. These can include regularly examining your property for any developing problems, establishing good sanitation protocols, and taking precautions in coastal areas where moisture is more prevalent.