Mice and rats are the types of rodents that typically invade homes in our area. They are commensal rodents, which means that although they may avoid us seeing them, they are happy to make themselves at home and share our food and shelter. A rodent problem is not something that will go away on its own if you ignore it.
As the weather cools, Huntsville pest control companies see an uptick in calls for rodent control. You may have noticed the scratching sounds of rodents in the attic or walls. Read on to learn how to look out for some other signs. It is imperative to get rid of rodents as soon as possible; both mice and rats endanger our families and our homes.
How To Tell If It’s Rodents Lurking Around Your House
Rodents are clever and know they should keep out of sight; however, they leave a lot of evidence around. Some signs of rats and mice to watch out for are:
- Droppings: Rat droppings are capsule-shaped and measure between ½ to ¾ of an inch long. Mouse droppings are rod-shaped and measure around ? to ¼ of an inch.
- Gnaw marks: Mice and rats will gnaw through just about anything to build their nests and access food and water.
- Nests: Mice and rats will build their nests in dark, secluded areas of the home. Rodents in the attic may take advantage of insulation to build nests. Finding nests built by mice and rats inside walls is also possible.
- Actual rodents: Spotting an actual rodent in your home is the surest sign. Adult mice are the smaller of the two rodents and have long, slender, furry tails; adult rats have thicker tails that are hairless.
If you notice any of these signs, please immediately reach out to a company experienced in effective rodent control to keep your family safe.
Why Rodents On Your Property Can Be Very Dangerous
Rodents endanger our family’s health and the structure of our homes. Some diseases mice and rats carry include rat-bite fever, jaundice, and cowpox virus, and both mouse and rat droppings can spread bacteria like salmonella to our food and prep surfaces. Their droppings can also trigger allergies and asthma in people. Dried rodent droppings can also pose a danger when inhaled.
Rodents can also wreak havoc on our homes, causing cosmetic and structural damage. They will chew through drywall and rip stuffing out of furniture for nesting materials. Mice and rats inside walls can also chew on electrical wires creating a dangerous fire hazard.
Natural Ways To Keep Rodents Away From Your Home
The following are some tips to help keep rodents away from your home:
- Work with a rodent control company to check the exterior of your home for possible entrances and seal them up.
- Store food in containers rather than in easy-to-rip packages.
- Keep pet food in a sealed container, and don’t leave their food out overnight.
- Be sure all trash cans and compost bins have an adequate seal and are fully closed.
- Install door sweeps under all exterior doors in your home.
These prevention measures can go a long way when working toward effective rodent control.
The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of Rodents In Your House
Because of the many dangers rodents introduce to our homes, it is essential to reach out to a local rodent control company at the first signs of rats and mice in your home.
At EnviroGuard Pest Control, our service professionals will work with you to get rid of rodents and keep them from coming back. Call today to get your free quote and keep your family safe from these dangerous pests.