How to Effectively Control a Rodent Infestation

Rodents are one of the oldest public health problems known to man, destroying property, contaminating food supplies and spreading disease. They also can cause structural damage to buildings.

Rodent control involves removing pests from homes and businesses, and controlling their populations. A professional pest control technician can assess a rodent infestation and recommend a treatment that is appropriate for your situation.

Removing Rodent Nesting Sites

The best way to reduce rodent numbers is to eliminate their nesting sites. This includes the removal of trash, discarded tires and other debris that provides food and shelter for rodents, such as tree limbs or brush.

It is also important to remove or seal up any openings that might allow rodents into your home. These may include soffit vents in disrepair, crawl space vents, a/c chases, or any other open openings on the outside of your house.

Mice and rats are notorious for squeezing through tiny holes, so it is vital to make sure that any entry points have been sealed up. You can do this by covering any holes with duct tape or securing steel wool into vent openings.

Baits, traps and poisons are used to control a variety of pests, including mice and rats. However, the most effective baits and traps are selected after thorough inspection, identification and assessment of a pest situation.

Trapping, baiting and poisoning can all be successful when used in conjunction with other preventative measures. It is important to note that when using traps or poisons, the dead rodents should be disposed of properly so that there are no issues with odor.

Glue traps can be an effective trap for mice, but are not recommended for rats. They mainly catch juveniles and do not kill breeding adults.

The most common types of traps for rodents are snap traps and multiple-catch traps. They are usually used in conjunction with other preventative measures to minimize the number of rodents in a home or business.

Natural Deterrents:

To deter rodents from entering your home, try spraying an apple cider vinegar and water mixture around the exterior of your house or sprinkling fabric softener sheets on any potential entry points. Reapply any natural deterrents at least once a month to continue preventing rodents from coming into your home.

A specialized rat cleanup control program can help eliminate current rodents and prevent future ones from forming. Pros can provide an evaluation of your home to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

How Many Mice Are In Your Home?

A female mouse will produce up to 10 litters a year, birthing at least six offspring each time. Rats, on the other hand, will give birth to up to 12 rat pups.

If you spot one or more mice in your home, it is important to call a pest control professional right away. If you wait too long, you might not be able to get rid of the entire population. Check out this blog to get enlightened on this topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pest_control.