Keep Rats and Mice Out of Your Home
The Dangers of Rodent Infestation
Rats and mice are a common household pest. Thousands of year of evolution alongside humans has taught them that where there are people, there is food. Unfortunately, their gain is our loss. Not only do rats and mice steal food, they can cause significant damage to your home by gnawing through walls, ceilings, and even electrical wires. In addition, rodents defecate regardless of location, be it in your attic or on your kitchen counter tops, and can potentially spread diseases such as Hantavirus and even plague. With these risks to your home and your health, it is important to ensure that you are doing everything you can to prevent rodent infestation.
Prevent Rodent Infestation in Your Home
Prevention of a mouse or rat infestation is far less difficult and expensive than curing one that is already established. In any rodent infestation, the animals are looking for food, water, and shelter. If your home does not offer one of these three amenities to the rodents, they will look elsewhere. In order to reduce the likelihood of an infestation, the CDC recommends three steps:
Seal Up!
To ensure that rodents do not find your home a comfortable option, make sure that you are not providing ready access to one of the three amenities they want: food, water, and shelter. Have your pest control professional seal up any holes to the outside that may offer easy access, this includes checking your attic, basement, and closets for any small gaps that a mouse or rat could squeeze through. Make sure that they look for any holes on the outside of the home, as well.
Trap Up!
Whether or not you can see evidence of a rodent infestation, you may have some mice and rats lurking inside your home. Once you have sealed your home to prevent further incursion, set traps to kill any individual rats or mice that may have made their way into the home. Rodents multiply very quickly, so it is important to rid your home of the remaining animals as quickly as possible. For the best traps and strategies, contact a pest control expert.
Clean Up!
Finally, the most important way to prevent rodents from infesting your home is to keep your home clean and free of available food and water that may attract rodents. Ensure that you do not have any water leaks that are providing a constant source of fresh water, and place all of your food in thick plastic or glass containers with a lid. Ensure that your garbage can has a tight lid, and clean up after every meal. Rats and mice will be attracted to the smell of any food left out, including in sinks, garbage cans, and outdoor grill areas. If you have pets, do not leave pet food and water out overnight, where it will attract nocturnal rats and mice.
Contact A Professional
If you are worried that you may have a rodent infestation on your hands, do not hesitate to contact a professional pest controls service as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, so every day counts. Even if you do not have a current infestation, it is always a good idea to take preventive measures. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Home Run Pest & Termite Control today!
