No one likes pests. Even if you love animals, the typical household rodents are still very unpleasant. Where to begin? They can carry and transmit various diseases, most dangerous to people and pets. Rats and mice also like to play home invaders and nest somewhere deeply in the heart of the house, in the hidden corners of our properties.
We’re sure nobody in their right mind would want some rats or mice to live and spread all over the basement or the attic. And we don’t want to gross you out with facts about how quickly they reproduce.
Many people so determinately don’t want to deal with them that they find different prevention methods. While that’s not an easy task, since rodents are very stealthy and usually win at hide-and-seek, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
Read on to find some really good ideas on how to get rid of them.. and for good too!
Get to know your enemy – the rodents
When you have concerns about rodents on your property, you better take some time to learn about their habits, behaviours, and weaknesses.
Attaining a better understanding of them will help you to efficiently get rid of them as well as prevent them from returning.
Their food
What brings rodents to your home? The food, of course! They’re constantly looking for something to eat, and if they find some at your house, they’ll keep on coming back for more.
Rats and mice need easy access to some nutrients, no matter if it’s from the counter or the trash can: they just need something to eat.
This is why taking their food away from them would be the first preventive measure you should take. If the rodents don’t have access to it, they’ll just leave your property in a few days, and there won’t be any new uninvited guests.
You can pack all the food that’s been lying around in bags, and the bags hide in the fridge or a locked drawer somewhere. Be very careful because rats can gnaw through almost everything.
Their homes
As you probably know, rodents usually like to come inside your home through small cracks and holes in the walls and around the windows.
They may often settle in there and make these cracks their home. It’s perfect for them because they stay invisible to the owner’s eyes and can go wherever they like.
If you want to prevent them from occupying your entire existence, you should seal these cracks and holes. And if you destroy their homes and ensure they don’t have a way in, you can sleep much better.
Sealing the entry points is the best preventive measure to eliminate dangerous rodents. If you don’t think you can do it alone, you can find a company to help you.
Their habits
Rodents that infest a house often create nests and hide away in small, dark places.
Even if they didn’t find an entry point, they could definitely make one (or at least attempt)! Rats can chew through walls and insulation to enter your home and steal some of your food. They may also leave behind droppings and evidence of gnawing.
Removing food sources and nesting places can also change their habits. This can be done by storing food in sealed containers and ensuring no clutter in the house.
In addition to this, it’s essential to block off any openings through which rodents can enter. Frustrate these invaders and seal any holes, cracks, and gaps in walls and doors with steel wool or caulk. This will prevent any rodents from entering your home.
How to deal with rodents
As we said above, the first step you should take is to block all the rodent’s entry points.
This means checking the seals of the doors and windows and filling any cracks or holes in the walls. Another thing you can do is clean up any mess or clutter in the house and keep the area well-ventilated.
Having the whole house tidy, including the basement and attic, makes it harder for rats and mice to find a hiding place.
Finally, remember to keep the kitchen and pantry clean and close the trash bin lids tightly. Make it hard for rodents to find an easy food source at your home!
Below, you will find what else you can do to prevent or get rid of rats and mice.
Traps
This is a good way to capture or kill the rats or mice on your property. If you have doubts about an infestation in your home, you can set up a few traps all around the house, especially near the walls or behind some furniture or appliances, because mice usually like to hide in such places.
Fortunately, nowadays, we have a great variety of traps designed especially for these kinds of pests. You can choose a trap that’ll kill it right on the spot or a model that just captures the rodent, so you can let it go wherever you decide.
The choice is really yours.
Baits
When you have rodents on your property, the best way to get rid of them is to use bait.
Most people use just food which they attach to the trap. And some act more radically and decide to put poison in the food.
The second way is a lot riskier because you can end up poisoning an innocent pet instead of the rodent you were pointed at.
Calling rodent control
If you notice a rat on your property, you shouldn’t risk your and your family’s health by trying to deal with it alone. Instead, let your local trusted rat control company deal with the issue. The exterminators know what they’re doing, and they’re perfectly well-equipped.
Whether it’s preventative or because of an ongoing infestation, contact pest control. They can help you get rid of the rodent problem and put your mind at ease. They can also provide insight into the cause of the infestation and recommend preventative measures; should it happen again.
Pest control companies can advise you on how to protect your home and family and how to prevent future infestations. Don’t risk your safety and health. Call a pest control company and get the job done right.
