If rats or mice have claimed your home, you may notice bite marks around the pantry area or hear little notices from the attic. A rodent infestation is something you should not take lightly. Rats and mice can reproduce quickly and you could be dealing with hundreds of them in no time. Rats and mice are known for carrying different diseases and destroying homes or belongings. Rodent control is important to keep your home and family safe.
Finding rats or mice in your house can be unsettling. You should act right away and let the experts address the issue for you.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Rats and mice are highly destructive rodents that can contaminate human food, destroy property, and spread diseases. If you believe you have a rodent infestation or are wondering about what exactly to look for, below are signs:
- Droppings. You may find droppings around food packages, in cabinets, drawers, or under the sink.
- Stinky odors. Rats and mice give off an ammonia-like smell.
- Bite marks. Often, rodents leave bite marks on food packages. Also, you may find holes they have chewed through floors and walls.
- Shelter. Mice and rats nest in leftover materials such as shredded paper, cardboard, old fabric, and dried plant matter.
How to Prevent a Rodent Infestation
To prevent rats and mice from invading your house, below are some tips to keep in mind:
Inside your house, make sure to use rodent-proof containers that have tight-fitting lids. Also, dispose of garbage regularly. When storing trash in the house, use rodent-proof containers that remain sealed. In addition, dishes must be washed right away after use, so you don’t attract rodents to your place. Always tidy up following every meal. Rats and mice can make their way into your house through small holes. Thus, you should seal any hole or gap you can find with cement, steel wool, heavy-duty caulk, or expanding foam.
Outside your house, pay attention to nesting sites like abandoned vehicles, sitting trash, discarded décor, and woodpiles. If you cannot eliminate something outdoors, store it above the ground and away from your house. Also, keep the grass cut short and eliminate brushes. Dense shrubbery must be trimmed regularly as they can offer rodents some cover and protection.
If you tend to deal with rats or mice constantly, you should contact a pest control expert for help. A rodent infestation is unappealing and stressful. Plus, there is a risk of injury, property damage, and diseases. A professional pest control team can eliminate rodents from your house and keep your house rodent-free.