A Centralia Rodent Control Company Can
Keep Your Family Safe

What Dangers Do Rodents Pose in Centralia?

Rodents are filthy creatures and they will contaminate just about anything they come across. Mice and rats can both spread diseases, including E. coli, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis. Mice can also transmit the hantavirus to humans, which is a respiratory illness that has the potential to be fatal. People often think that they must be bitten by a rodent in order to become sick, but that is not true. Mice will contaminate approximately ten times more food than what they actually eat through their droppings, bodily fluids, and parasites.

Rodents pose much more danger than simply being carriers of disease. As mice look for nesting materials and food, they will chew through the siding, insulation, wallboards, and drywall of the home, which can cause an immense amount of damage. Rats, in particular, need to chew constantly to file down their teeth, which never stop growing. Rats may also burrow into the lawn, creating large holes as they do. These are not only unsightly, but they can also cause serious injuries.

How to Prevent a Rodent Infestation

No one wants rodents in their home and fortunately, there are many ways to prevent them from getting inside. The best ways to keep rodents outside where they belong are as follows:

• Seal gaps and cracks: Rats can fit through spaces as small as a quarter, while mice only need a space the size of a dime to make their way inside. It is important to seal any gaps, cracks, and holes that will allow rodents to make their way into a home. The most important areas to look for these gaps are floors, ceilings, walls, and the areas around wires and pipes.
• Use proper food storage: Mice and rats both enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter, especially once the outdoor temperatures start to drop. To ensure there is as little as possible that will attract rodents into your home, always store food properly in containers that are airtight and made from durable material, such as strong plastic or glass.
• Clean up: Rodents will use piles of newspapers, old boxes, and other junk around a home to hide and nest. Always clean up extra clutter, do not leave dirty dishes in the sink, and always wipe countertops after meals and food preparation.

Repair leaky fixtures: Leaky fixtures such as faucets and pipes will provide a water source for rodents, so it is important to repair these as soon as they start to leak.