There are 11 types of rats and mice found in North Carolina. Of course, that’s before we even start talking about other rodents that live among us, like squirrels, chipmunks, and groundhogs.
In their place, they can be adorable. But when they invade our space, it’s a different story. You need to know how to get rid of rodents and keep them away.
Rodent control services specialize in removing unwanted visitors and helping to keep them at bay. Let’s learn more about what they do and the steps you can take to prevent rodents from getting into your home, and if they do invade, how you can get rid of rodents.
Dangers of Rodents in Your Home
According to the CDC, there are 11 diseases spread directly by rodents. These include:
- Salmonellosis
- Hantavirus
- Leptospirosis
Handling or getting bit by an infected rodent will spread these diseases to humans. But even contact with contaminated materials, eating contaminated food, or breathing contaminated air is enough to spread infections. This is why it’s important to get rid of rodents that invade your home and the outside areas around your home.
There are 18 further diseases the CDC warns can spread indirectly. Fleas or ticks that bite rodents can go on to bite humans, spreading diseases.
Clearly, none of us wants rodents in our home. If you think you’re under attack, it’s time to take urgent rodent control measures and get rid of rodents. But how can you be sure you’ve got rodents in your house?
Signs of Rodents in Your Home
Rodents are extremely wily and stay out of sight as much as possible. Therefore, just because you haven’t seen them, doesn’t mean you haven’t got them living in your home.
Some signs of rodents in your home will vary, depending on the type of rodent. The two most common home invaders are rats and mice. Signs you have a rat problem include the following:
- Gnaw marks
- Droppings
- Scurrying or scratching noises
- Greasy marks along walls
- Signs that food has been disturbed
Mice are similar but behave differently. They can leave the same signs as rats but also look out for:
- Strong smells – mouse urine is particularly stinky
- Mouse holes – look for small entrances, such as cracks between building materials or holes in the wall
- Tracks – mice like to go back and forth along the same paths and may leave dirty tracks behind
If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to call in a rodent exterminator to help you get rid of rodents.
How to Get Rid of Rats and Mice
As we’ve learned, interacting with rats and mice is dangerous. Put your own safety first, and leave this job to a professional rodent exterminator. They have the experience and equipment to get the job done safely.
Professional Rodent Pest Control
Mice and rats may look similar, but the approaches to exterminating them are quite different.
First, rodent control will inspect your home and establish what they’re dealing with. Before going ahead, they will write a report outlining your treatment options. Only when you’re happy will they begin the rodent control treatment.
Mouse Control
A mouse exterminator will first stop more mice from getting into your home. They’ll inspect the exterior and use caulk to seal all entry points.
They will also advise you to remove all available sources of food and deep clean your kitchen to help get rid of rodents. Wash your trash can with bleach and take the trash out every day until the infestation is over.
Now they have contained the problem, they’ll use sophisticated mouse traps to catch them when they emerge. Your exterminator will discuss options with you, and you can choose the type that’s most comfortable for you.
Once the exterminators have eliminated all the mice, make sure they don’t come back. Buy a monthly plan that gives you access to regular pest control services. This can help keep the problem at bay in the long run.
Rat Control
Rat exterminators understand rat behavior and are able to track down where they’re hiding out. Rat control plans vary from home to home. A rodent exterminator will devise a plan that combines the following elements to help you get rid of rodents:
- Traps – exterminators place snap traps, sticky traps, and electric traps in carefully selected locations
- Bait – rodenticide can kill off large populations of rats and takes a few days to act
Depending on the size of the infestation, a rodent exterminator may take a few days to a week to get it under control. While these methods of rodent control are very effective, keeping rats and mice away requires a long-term strategy. Regular visits from exterminators can help you keep your home rodent-free.
Steps You Can Take
It’s very hard to get rid of rodents on your own. But to prevent mice and rats from returning to your home, there are a few simple steps you can take.
Food Sources
Don’t leave food where mice and rats can reach it. This is one of the most important things you can do to help get rid of rodents. Use sealed containers and clean your kitchen floor and counters every day. Also, take out the trash regularly, so this doesn’t become a rodent magnet.
Cut Off Entry Points
Regularly inspect the exterior of your home for any potential entry points. Mice can get in through tiny cracks and gaps. Use caulk or other materials to close up gaps that emerge.
Get a Cat
This suggestion is as old as the hills and is still valid. The scent of a cat in the house can be enough of a deterrent for some rodents, and will definitley help get rid of rodents.
Get Rid of Rodents for Good
Rodents may look cute, but they’re bad for your family’s health. Although there are steps you can take to get rid of rodents on your own, your safest bet is to work with a rodent exterminator.
At Pest Management Inc, we have decades of experience in tackling rodent infestations. We will inspect your home and create a bespoke plan for tackling the problem to help you get rid of rodents. With regular pest control visits, we can help you to keep these unwanted guests at bay.
Contact us today for a quick quote for our rodent control services.
While these steps/tips will help reduce the likelihood of a rodent infestation, there is no guaranteed way to eliminate all risk.
