Washington D.C.'s Ultimate Rodent Prevention Guide
02/10/2020
You’re enjoying a quiet evening by reading in bed before turning in for the night. A small sound catches your attention for a moment, but you...
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Has it happened again? Did you head out to the kitchen for a midnight snack only to flip on the light and see a mouse scamper along the baseboard into a tiny crack in the wall? If so, you may be thinking, "I thought we got rid of all the mice in the house? How are they getting back in?!"
First of all, do-it-yourself rodent control often fails, because it is impossible to know if you have gotten rid of all of the mice and rats that have made their way inside. These creatures multiply quickly and, especially if there are females with nests in the home, they will keep coming back time and again to plague you when you thought they were all gone. Second, even IF you manage to get all the rodents out of your house, if you do not completely seal up the outside of your home, more will simply make their way in.
Problems With Having Rodents In Your Home
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Rodents chew on everything in sight. Mice and rats chew constantly to wear down teeth that continue to grow their whole life. They will chew on food items, which can contaminate them. They will chew on insulation, allowing heat to escape. And they will chew on items you have stored away for safekeeping. They will even chew on electrical wires which can spark a fire. If this happens, you may lose more than food, heat, or a treasured item.
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Rodents transmit diseases. Mice and rats roam through filthy areas, consuming rotting, bacteria-laden materials, then bring this filth into your home by way of dirty fur and excrement. A few of the diseases that rodents are known to spread include rat bite fever, and leptospirosis.
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Rodents carry parasites. If you are scratching your head (literally) because you are seeing fleas, but do not have pets, you may be getting those fleas from rodents in your home. Other parasites that rodents carry are mites, and ticks, both of which come with their own problems and complications.
How To Keep Rodents From Getting In
Mice only need a hole the size of a dime to squeeze through. Rats, if they find a hole the size of a dime, can chew that hole until it is big enough to squeeze through. Here are some steps you can take to keep rodents out.
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Declutter. Rodents love hiding places. The more clutter, overgrown weeds, and tall grass you have around your home, the more rodents will feel at home.
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Remove food and water sources. Make sure trash cans have tightly sealed lids. Remove pet food and other food sources. And make sure there are no water leaks or places where water collects around your home.
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Inspect the outside of your home and seal up any gaps or cracks that you find. Keep in mind that water damaged areas make it easier for rodents to chew their way in.
If you are seeing rodents or evidence of rodents in your home, be aware that DIY methods of getting rid of them are only partially effective at best. For effective rodent control, contact a professional pest control company. American Pest has the tools, knowledge, and expertise to take care of all your pest problems. Reach out to us today for prompt assistance.
