Do you hear unexplainable scratching noises or rustling sounds coming from your attic or walls? If you do, then there’s a high chance that you have a rodent infestation in your home. Although rodents such as rats and mice are not always visible, they can wreak havoc on your property and carry dangerous illnesses that can affect you and your family. If left untreated, rodent infestations can lead to issues like structural damage to your home and contaminated food. Not to mention, rodents breed quickly, and a small infestation can quickly escalate into a full-blown problem. Here are some tips on how to deal with a rodent infestation, reduce their population, and prevent future occurrences.
Identify the signs of a rodent infestation
Before you start taking action to eliminate rodents in your home, it's important to note the signs of an infestation. Some common indications of a rodent infestation include droppings, gnaw marks on household materials, ripped insulation or wallboard, and odors. Identifying the signs of a rodent infestation as early as possible can make it easier for you to take action and eradicate them.
Seal potential entry points
To stop rodents from invading your home, you need to block the entry points. Rodents can squeeze through small spaces, gaps in windows and doors, or through pipes, so it's best to do a thorough inspection of your home. Check both indoors and outdoors for cracks and holes. Use materials such as caulk, wire mesh, or weatherstrips to seal these openings. Remember, a mouse can enter through a hole as small as a dime, so it's essential to be thorough.
Keep your home clean and organized
Rodent infestations are often triggered by readily available food and water. Therefore, a dirty home with open food containers or clutter provides a perfect breeding ground for these critters. Maintain a clean and organized home by regularly vacuuming and sweeping the floors, wiping surfaces, and not leaving unwashed dishes in the sink overnight. Additionally, store food in air-tight containers.
Use humane traps and bait
Using traps or bait is an effective way of reducing the number of rodents in your home. There is a variety of humane traps and bait that you can use to catch rodents. Snap traps, glue traps, and electric traps are all available for purchase at most hardware stores. You can also make your traps by following DIY guides online. Be careful when handling bait, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using poisons or bait.
Contact a residential pest control company for more information.
Whether control is good or bad seems to depend on who has it. When it comes to pests, you really want to be in control. You can't just let the ants or mice take over your home, after all!
There are a lot of pest control tactics you can implement on your own, such as putting down baits and traps. But if these methods do not prove effective, you only have to make one call: a call to the pest control company. From there on out, they will take control, eradicating the bugs or rodents effectively. We hope this website will serve as a helpful resource as you stay in control and fight those pests.