A rodent infestation is an unpleasant and potentially dangerous situation in which rodents, such as mice or rats, reside in homes or other buildings.
Rodent infestations can cause various problems, from damaging walls and electrical wiring to contaminating food sources with droppings and urine.
They are also known for spreading disease and causing allergic reactions in humans.
No matter the size of your property, rodent infestation can cause a nuisance and be dangerous. To avoid these potential problems, taking steps to fortify and protect your property from rodents is essential.
Stop rodents from getting inside your home
The most effective way to protect your home or building from rodents is to stop them from getting inside in the first place.
Inspect the exterior of your home or building for cracks, holes, or other entry points that could invite mice or rats. Pay special attention to areas near pipes, vents, garages, attics, and crawl spaces under porches or decks.
Seal any potential entryways shut using caulk or steel wool or replace damaged wood or siding. Regularly check these seals and repair any damage that may occur over time.
Reduce the availability of food and water sources
The next step in rodent-proofing your property is to reduce the availability of food and water sources.
Rodents need food and water to survive, so clear away any debris around your home that rodents can use as shelter.
Store all pet food in tightly sealed containers, and never leave uneaten pet food outside overnight. If you have outdoor bird feeders, take them down a few days each week when not in use, and keep bird seed stored securely indoors. Keep grass short near the foundation of your house, and trim back shrubs and trees from the walls.
Keep all food scraps cleaned and stored securely, such as in an animal-proof garbage can or compost bin.
Use traps and other specialized equipment
If you notice rodents on your property even after taking preventive measures, you can take a few additional steps to remove them.
Traps are one of the most effective solutions for removing rodents from your home or building. Place traps along walls where rodents tend to run, such as near baseboards or behind furniture.
When placement is done correctly, traps can be effective within 24 hours. If you’d instead not use traps, a pest control professional can humanely handle the job with specialized equipment and techniques.
Exclusion methods to prevent re-entry
Another step in rodent-proofing your property is to exclude rodents from returning. Ensure all entry points that have been sealed stay secure, as well as any windows, doors, and vents.
Keep the area around your home regularly maintained by removing debris or standing water that could attract rodents.
If you notice any further signs of a rodent infestation, contact a pest control professional immediately for assistance with exclusion methods to ensure they don’t return.
Call the professionals
Rats and other rodents cause a lot of damage to homes and buildings if left unchecked. Protecting your property from rodents is essential to maintaining a safe, comfortable environment for everyone living there.
If you cannot control the rodent situation on your own, call in an experienced pest control professional for help.
They have the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively eliminate unwanted pests while ensuring no further infestation occurs.
Find out more about these professionals’ services and how they can help protect your property from rodents here; https://envirosmartsolution.com/rodent-proofing-cleanup-services/.
What are the dangers of a rodent infestation in your home?
Rodents can be hazardous infestations. Not only do they spread diseases through their feces, urine, and saliva, but they can also cause considerable damage to your property.
When rodents enter your home, they can chew through walls, floors, insulation, and electrical wiring.
It can create a fire hazard in the home and expose you and your family to health risks associated with electrical shock or electrocution.
In addition to damaging physical property and creating a potential fire hazard, rodents can contaminate food sources with their droppings and urine. It is especially hazardous for children or pets who may not be aware of the danger of consuming contaminated food items.
Rodents are known carriers of various diseases like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), Salmonellosis, Murine Typhus (endemic typhus), Rat-bite fever (RBF), and Plague. All these diseases are spread primarily by contact with rodent droppings or urine, so it’s essential to take extra precautions if you suspect a rodent infestation in your home.
Another danger associated with a rodent infestation is the sheer number of pests one litter can produce relatively quickly.
Mice reach reproductive age very quickly and can have five-to-six litters per year, with up to ten young per litter. A single female mouse can produce up to sixty offspring in three months.
This number could become unmanageable if left unchecked, leading to an even more significant problem.
Conclusion
Rodents can cause severe damage and health risks if left unchecked on your property. To keep your family safe and avoid costly repairs, follow these steps to fortify and protect your home or building from rodents.
Start by sealing entry points, reducing food and water sources, using traps or a pest control professional, and taking exclusion measures to keep them away for good.
By taking these steps, you can ensure your property remains rodent-free all year long.
