Top Rated Hillsboro Rodent Control Experts
Unfortunately, the health issues associated with mice and rats are not the only danger these rodents pose. Rats and mice are known scavengers and they will eat just about anything they come across. As they move through the food source of a home, such as a pantry or a cupboard, they do not only eat the food, but they also contaminate everything they touch.
Food is not the only thing rodents eat as they move through a home. They will also gnaw through and destroy wallboards, insulation, cardboard, and wood. The destruction of these structures cannot only completely devastate a home, but they also pose a unique danger of electrical fires. Rodents are thought to be the cause of approximately 25 percent of house fires across the country.
Preventing Rodents in the Home
Due to the danger rats and mice pose, it is crucial to try and prevent them from entering a home. Some of the best prevention tips include:
- Make necessary repairs: Damage such as holes and leaks in and around the home make it more vulnerable to a rodent infestation. Rats and mice may find that these damaged structures are good places to nest, and weaker structures make it easier for rodents to make their way inside.
- Maintain the yard regularly: Untrimmed trees, bushes, and ivy all provide great shelter for rodents and makes them more difficult to spot. Worse, they also act as a bridge into your home. After crawling along branches and other greenery, rats and mice can easily get under siding and into cracks that give them entry into the home.
- Store food properly: You may think that leaving food out on the counter, or leaving bags of pet food will not attract mice and rats from outside. However, rodents make their way inside seeking shelter and food and failing to store food properly will make it easier for them to infest your house.
- Store garbage properly: A lot of a household’s garbage is made up of food waste. Rodents are attracted to any type of food and to prevent them from getting into your garbage, and then the rest of your home, you should always keep trash in bins that seal and lock to keep critters out.
In some cases, even the most vigilant homeowners may find that they have a rodent problem. When that is the case, it is important to spot the problem early.
Identifying a Rodent Problem
Even seeing one or two mice or rats in the home is a good indication that you already have an infestation. Aside from seeing them though, there are other signs you can look for to detect a problem early. Signs of a rodent problem include:
- Noises: If rodents are in your home, they are likely using the walls as their main transportation system. As they move, you may hear shuffling noises or sounds of scampering feet within the walls and ceilings.
- Droppings: Seeing droppings in your pantry or other areas of your home is a sure sign that you have a problem. Additionally, the urine of rodents may also stain your walls and ceilings.
- Bad odors: Rodents are not pleasant-smelling, and they will bring an odor into the home with them. As the food they store rots and the creatures die within the walls, the odor will become even stronger.
Any sign of a rodent infestation is unsettling and so, it is imperative that you know who to call for help.
