Green and Energy-Efficient Pest Solutions
Whether it’s your home or business, Pointe Pest Control has you covered with expert pest management solutions. We offer free quotes, consultations, and tailored plans to meet your unique needs. First-time customers can also enjoy an exclusive discount! Take the first step toward a pest-free environment today—schedule your free estimate now.
Pointe Pest Control Sends Your Rodents Packing!
No one should have to deal with rodents. At Pointe Pest Control we have taken an oath to rid our area of all rodents. We will definitely send them packing.
What Kind of Damage can a Little Rodent cause?
Rodents, like mice spend time outside destroying your beautiful garden and vegetation. When fall comes they begin to look for small openings in siding and air vents, letting themselves into our homes.
They destroy the insulation, wiring and plumbing in hopes of making a nest. After their nest is built they begin to scavenge for food. They nibble on paper bags and plastic containers, as well as contaminate our pantries with trails of urine and feces, causing possible disease and leaving allergens throughout our home.
Rodent Service Exclusion Work
At Pointe Pest Control we understand how terrible a rat or mouse infestation can become. If you have rodents running around in your home, we know that you are worried about the diseases they spread and the danger they are to your home and family. We are dedicated to helping you get rid of rodents and reclaim the right to live in your home without the threat of a furry menace. When you need rodent exclusion services, Pointe Pest Control is ready to help out.
The problem with Rodents
Mice can squeeze their bodies through a hole the size of a nickel. If you increase the size of the hole to a quarter, rats can slip past. When you call Pointe Pest Control, we do a perimeter search around your home. We take a close look at where your pipes enter your home, we search along your foundation for cracks and we inspect your eaves. If there are places where rodents are getting into your home, we will be able to identify the areas. When we find places where rodents can enter, our technicians will secure the entry points and make certain that you no longer have to worry about them getting into your home. Since rodents use their teeth to chew into weak places, we make certain that our repairs are bite proof. Once we are done fortifying your home, rats and mice will not be able bite through. We can show you the areas in your yard that increase the likelihood of getting rodents. Our technicians can show you methods that will make you yard less appealing to rats and mice.
The Problem with Rodents
We want to help you get rid of rats and say goodbye to mice. We have years of experience and know how to eliminate rodents. With Pointe Pest Control on your side you will win the battle against rodent infestations every time. When it is time to get serious about rodent elimination, make certain that your first call is to Pointe Pest Control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rodents
Although some people keep rodents as pets and love them as part of the family, the same is not true for those that enter your home from the wild. Rats and mice that come from the outdoors carry many diseases they can transmit to humans, and they destroy property, too. It is important to understand the habits of rodents, as well as where they live, so you can eliminate an infestation as soon as possible. Below, we have rounded up the most frequently asked questions our pest control experts hear about rodents, and the answers to them.
Are Rodents Cause for Concern?
Rodents are very concerning once they make their way into your home. They enter homes looking for food, shelter, and water. As they search for these basic needs, they will contaminate everything they touch and walk across. They will leave urine and droppings in their wake, which are not only unsightly, but they can also trigger allergies in some and even cause others to develop asthma.
Additionally, rodents cause a great deal of damage in a home. They will rip apart insulation and other materials to make their nests, and they will also tear into food packages trying to get to the goods inside.
What Can I Do to Prevent Rodent Infestations?
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that is certainly true when it comes to rodent infestations. There are many ways to prevent a rodent infestation and the best practices include:
Seal up any holes present along the exterior of your home, paying particular attention to the vents, windows, and doors.
Block outdoor access by trimming overhanging trees that bridge the gap for rodents from outdoor spaces into your home.
Remove clutter, garbage, and debris from your home and keep bushes and plant shrubs at least three feet away from the home.
Remove all food from and in and around the home. Clean up regularly after meals and keep garbage in cans with tight-fitting lids so rodents do not have easy access to any food source.
Store food in airtight containers so it does not attract rodents.
Repair any moisture sites, including clogged drains and leaking pipes.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house, as it can provide a nesting and hiding spot for rodents.
Where Do Rodents Live?
Nearly every country in the world has a rodent population, with the exception of Antarctica, New Zealand, and some other islands in the ocean. Rodents can live in a number of habitats including deserts, rainforests, grasslands, swamps, and deciduous and coniferous forests. In the wild, some mice live in burrows while others choose piles of brush, vegetation, wood or rock piles, and ditches to call home. Rats will collect materials such as twigs, plants, and cotton and create nests in hollowed logs and other areas where they feel protected from the elements.
Once rodents have made their way inside, they will choose a sheltered area to make their nest. These may include in wall voids, attics, crawlspaces, and garages. Mice in particular will also seek out warm areas, such as underneath kitchen appliances or in kitchen cabinets where they are close to a food source. Roof rats will either live on the roof or in other high areas, such as in an attic.
What is a Rodent’s Lifecycle?
The lifecycle of a rodent will depend on the species. House mice become sexually mature in as little as five weeks and a female mouse will reproduce up to eight times during their life, with approximately four to seven pups in every litter. The average lifespan of a house mouse is one year.
Roof rats and Norway rats can become sexually mature at eight weeks, although sometimes they take up to 12 weeks. A roof rat can have four to six litters per year, on average, with four to eight pups in every litter. Norway rats will rarely have more than seven pups in one litter. The average lifespan of a roof rat is one year.
How Quickly Do Rodents Reproduce?
One of the biggest problems with having rodents in the home is that they reproduce at alarming rates. On average, the litter size of a house mouse is six to eight pups, which means one mouse can have at least 32 to 56 pups every year. Female mice can reproduce immediately after giving birth, meaning after giving birth, a mouse can have a new litter within 25 days.
Rats also reproduce very quickly. A female can produce, on average, 40 babies every year. They can also conceive within 48 hours of giving birth.
What are the First Signs of Mice in the House?
There are some common signs of mice in the home and the ones you see first will depend on where the mice are in the home, and the activity of both the humans and the rodents in the space. The most common signs of mice in the home include:
Droppings, which are about 1/4 of an inch in length and look like grains of rice
Footprints in dusty areas
Grease along the bottom of walls, where mice like to travel most
Scratching and scurrying noises in the walls
Gnawed food packages or other items, such as wires
Changes in a pet’s behavior, such as if they are suddenly pawing or sniffing along the wall, near the fridge, or in other areas when the pet has not acted that way previously
Of course, the first sign that you have mice in the home may also be when you actually see one. Unfortunately in these cases, it usually means an infestation has already developed.
What is the Difference Between Rats and Mice?
The biggest difference between rats and mice is their size. Mice are fairly small, weighing only between 12 and 45 grams. Rats, on the other hand, are much larger and can weigh anywhere between 150 and 300 grams. The ears of a rat are quite small, while the ears of a mouse are large compared to their body size.
A mouse’s tail will also be thin, long, and covered in hair. A rat’s tail is also long, but they are quite thick and are not covered in hair. While both types of rodents will build nests, mice generally prefer to remain in burrows. Black rats prefer nests that are high off the ground, but brown rats will build nests closer to the ground.
What are the First Signs of Mice in the House?
There are some common signs of mice in the home and the ones you see first will depend on where the mice are in the home, and the activity of both the humans and the rodents in the space. The most common signs of mice in the home include:
Droppings, which are about 1/4 of an inch in length and look like grains of rice
Footprints in dusty areas
Grease along the bottom of walls, where mice like to travel most
Scratching and scurrying noises in the walls
Gnawed food packages or other items, such as wires
Changes in a pet’s behavior, such as if they are suddenly pawing or sniffing along the wall, near the fridge, or in other areas when the pet has not acted that way previously
Of course, the first sign that you have mice in the home may also be when you actually see one. Unfortunately in these cases, it usually means an infestation has already developed.
Can I Get Sick from Mice in My House?
There are several ways mice can make you sick once they have made their way inside your home. Their urine and fecal matter can carry and transmit diseases such as the hantavirus, salmonella, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV). Mice also carry parasites such as ticks and fleas. Ticks can cause Lyme disease and Colorado tick fever. Fleas are also known to carry the Bubonic plague and mice can carry these inside a home on their bodies. Lastly, while mice do not bite often, when they do, they can spread the bacteria that causes rat-bite fever.
What is the Most Common Rodent?
The most common rodent found in homes across the United States is the house mouse. An infestation of house mice is very difficult to get rid of, as they can fit through holes no larger than a dime. Deer mice are less commonly found in homes, but they can invade during the cooler months when they are desperately seeking food and shelter from the elements. When rats become a problem, it is most likely Norway rats that are infesting a space, although roof rats are also common throughout the country.
How Do Rodents Affect the Environment?
While no one wants to deal with rodents in their home, they do play an important role in the environment. A few ways rodents affect the environment include:
Mice are a source of food for almost every type of animal. They also carry parasites such as ticks and fleas, which are also a nuisance, but also have their own role in the environment.
Rodents also help grow new vegetation, as they collect seeds for consumption. Many of those seeds are not eaten, but they do germinate and grow new vegetation.
Certain types of rodents burrow in the soil, digging tunnels as they do. This buries carbon and fertilizes the soil, which is a crucial component of plant growth.
Some plants, such as orchids, will not germinate unless they are attached to a fungus. Rodents store fungi, such as mushrooms, spreading the spores as they do and allowing them to reproduce.
Can Mice Harm My Family?
Mice are not only unpleasant, but they also pose great risk to the people within a home. The biggest threat they pose are the different diseases they carry. Salmonella, hantavirus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) are just a few of the most common diseases mice carry and can transmit to humans. Mice spread these diseases through their droppings and their urine, which they often use to mark their territory.
The damage mice cause can also harm the people within a home. As they chew through packages of food and other items, they also contaminate them, making it very dangerous for anyone who touches the same surface or consumes the food. Mice will also chew through wiring in a home, which can cause a house fire. If a mouse chews through a gas line, it could also expose the occupants in a home to carbon monoxide poisoning.
What is the Best Bait for Mice or Rats?
Contrary to what is often seen in cartoons, cheese is not the best bait for catching mice and rats. Rodents are mainly seed eaters, and mice in particular prefer food that is sweet and sugary. Also, cheese is sometimes difficult to attach to a trap, so rodents often simply take the bait and then move along, not getting caught in the trap. The best baits to use for mice and rats are as follows:
A pea-sized amount of peanut butter
A small piece of chocolate
Bird seed, particularly if it is mixed with peanut butter or another nut spread, such as Nutella
Fruit jam
Pet food, particularly if you wet it before placing it in the trap
Cooked or raw meats, such as hot dog pieces
Marshmallows and gumdrops
Nesting materials such as cotton balls, dental floss, and pieces of loose carpet
What is the Best Bait to Put in Mouse Traps?
Mice are primarily nut and seed eaters, so the best bait will contain these foods. Peanut butter and other nut butters, such as almond butter, work especially well. Even spreads such as Nutella are very effective at catching mice. Mice also tend to prefer sweet foods, so items such as marshmallows, gum drops, and other sweet foods work best.
Just as important as the type of food placed in a trap, it is equally important how it is placed. Loose food, such as pieces of cheese, allow mice to simply take the food and continue on their way with it. When food can be pushed onto the trap though, it forces a mouse to step onto the trap and apply the necessary pressure to release the trap and kill the mouse.
How are Mice Getting Into My House?
Mice will enter a home using any crack or hole they can find. Usually these are found in floors, walls, and foundations. Mice will also use gaps and cracks in ceilings and windows, and sewage lines. Drainage pipes must also be properly sealed, or mice can enter a house through the drains of bathtubs and sinks. Oven gas lines and plumbing also often have entry holes mice will use to enter a home. It is important to seal these gaps and holes to prevent the rodents from coming inside and destroying items in the home and spreading disease.
How Long Do Mice Live?
Mice do not have a very long life span, but they can cause a great deal of trouble during their short life. House mice only live for 9 to 12 months, while deer mice can live anywhere between 2 and 14 months. These are the two types of mice most likely to invade homes. Still, female mice are considered sexually mature within just a few weeks of life, and they can breed anywhere between 25 and 60 mice within their year of life. Those mice will then also go on to breed their own pups very quickly, meaning having just one or two mice can quickly develop into an infestation that is difficult to control.
Where Should I Put Mouse Traps?
Mice are very cautious and they move from place to place by staying close to fences, walls, bushes, and other areas where they can take cover. If traps are not placed in the correct place, it becomes fairly easy for mice to avoid them. When mice have taken over an attic, it is best to place traps in the corners and along the walls. If mice are in the same areas of the home used by humans, traps should be placed behind appliances, in corners, and in cabinets.
Traps should be placed between two to ten feet apart and you should invest in three traps for every mouse. While you may not know how many mice you are dealing with, the takeaway is to lay more traps than you think you need so you can be sure to catch them wherever they are.
If I have a House Cat, Will Mice Stay Away?
Cats generally do a very good job at catching mice and keeping them away from the main living areas within a home. However, having a cat is not a guarantee that you will not have to deal with an infestation. Mice are often in the hidden areas of a home that cats do not have access to, such as the attic or inside walls. Mice also have a keen sense of smell and can identify a cat even when they do not see it. When this is the case, they can often move throughout a home undetected by a cat.
It is also important to take the personality of a cat into consideration. While some cats love to hunt, others do not. If your cat does not like to hunt, they may not be effective at helping you get rid of an infestation. On the other hand, if your cat is an outdoor pet and likes to hunt, they may bring back their catch as a trophy for you. If the mouse is still alive and the cat brings it into the home, a cat could actually cause a mouse problem rather than get rid of it.
Do Mice Tend to Be in the Basement?
Like other pests, mice will seek out warm, dark places that have plenty of access to water and food. Water tends to accumulate in the lowest point of the home, which is why so many homeowners first see mice in their basements and crawl spaces. Still, mice will find any space in the home that is accommodating for them, whether that is in the basement or under an appliance in a kitchen. Even when mice first make their way into a basement, it is likely that they will make their way throughout the rest of the home quite quickly.
Do Mice Scratch at the Walls?
Hearing scratching inside the walls of your home is likely a sign that you have a mouse problem. Mice will use the natural cavities found within walls to make their way through a home undetected, and they will also carve out tunnels to make movement easier. Mice will make scratching sounds as they move through the walls, and if they are chewing or scratching through wood and drywall to create pathways for themselves, that will also result in scratching noises. Any time you hear scratching sounds in the walls of your home, it is important to contact a professional as it is likely that you have a problem with mice or another type of rodent.
Can You Smell if You have Rodents in the House?
While it is not something many people think about, it is possible to determine if you have a mouse problem by simply paying attention to the smells around the home. Mice have a very distinctive aroma that smells like musky ammonia. They use this odor to establish and mark their territory. The smell of mice is usually most present in cabinets, pantries, and drawers. If you smell this unique smell in these areas, it is a good sign that you have a problem, even if you have not spotted an actual mouse or any other signs of the rodents.
Why is There an Awful Smell in My House After Rodent Control?
Rodent control is very important, particularly if you have been battling an infestation. Once the treatment is applied, you are probably looking forward to taking your space back and living in it peacefully. Before long though, you start to notice a terrible smell. Unpleasant odors after rodent control are not due to the baits used, but rather the chemicals decaying animals release after they die, usually within the walls of a home. These chemicals include methane, sulfur dioxide, benzene derivatives, and hydrocarbons.
Simply ventilating your home by opening windows can help get rid of the smell, as can disinfectants and air fresheners. When an awful smell will not go away, speak to the pest control professionals that got rid of the problem and ask about other solutions.
