This may not be the most glamourous topic, but it is important and something to be aware of in your home and office maintenance schedule! Yes, we are talking about….rodents – the most common mammal species that cause property damage by burrowing, chewing and carrying infectious diseases. They can feed on a wide variety of products and crops in warehouses, stores and food processing facilities. A rodent infestation can happen in your home, restaurants and school campuses. There are three types of rodent infestations: rats, mice and squirrels. Rat infestation is the most common of all three. They live in colonies in drains and sewers and are capable of reproducing very quickly. Their offspring, known as rat kits, can grow up to a full size within two months. They can reach sexual maturity within 6 months from birth too.
The causes…
One of the main reasons is the availability of food and shelter. Rodents are attracted to places where they can find food easily, such as kitchens, pantries, and garbage bins. They also seek shelter in areas where they can build nests, such as attics, basements, and walls.Rodents can enter your home through many different points. They are excellent climbers and will often climb up walls and ceilings to get inside. Some of the most common ways for rodents to enter a building are as follows:
Siding gaps – The exterior walls of your home should be sealed tightly, but often siding gaps allow for easy access for rodents. If you have any cracks or holes, you should use steel wool or caulk to seal them up.
Gutters – Rodents love to make their homes in gutters because they provide an easy way inside your home. You can easily prevent this by installing screens over your downspouts and keeping the area around them clean so no debris would allow rodents to establish themselves in your gutters.
Window screens – If you have broken window screens or ones that aren’t properly fitted into place, rodents can easily make their way into your house through these openings. They can also chew through plastic window frames if they’re hungry enough!
Basement doors – Basement doors are often left open during the day when people are at work or school, which allows rodents to sneak inside in search of food or shelter from the sun’s heat
Finally, rodents can also be attracted to a property due to poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Cluttered and dirty areas can provide rodents with places to hide and breed. Garbage that is not correctly disposed of can also attract rodents looking for food.
The signs…
The following signs can indicate a rodent infestation:
Droppings: Rodent droppings are small, black, and cylindrical. They are often found near food sources or nesting areas.
Gnaw marks: Rodents have strong teeth that allow them to gnaw through various materials, such as wood, plastic, and wiring. Gnaw marks can indicate a rodent infestation.
Tracks: Rodents leave behind footprints that can be seen in dusty or muddy areas.
Squeaking or scratching sounds: Rodents are active at night and may make squeaking or scratching sounds as they move around.
Nests: Rodents build nests out of materials such as shredded paper, fabric, or insulation. Nests can be found in secluded areas, such as attics or crawl spaces.
The solutions…
If you suspect that you have a rodent infestation, there are several solutions that you can try:
Call a professional: If the infestation is severe or persistent, consider calling a pest control professional. Take the help on an internet search for pest control companies near me and hire an efficient pest comtrol services to help you. They can provide additional solutions, such as bait stations or rodent-proofing services.
Seal entry points: Identify and seal all entry points that rodents may be used to gain access to the property. Use caulk or steel wool to seal small gaps and cracks, and consider installing door sweeps to prevent rodents from entering through doors.
Eliminate food sources: Keep all food in sealed containers and clean up spills and crumbs immediately. Store garbage in sealed bins and dispose of it regularly.
Maintain cleanliness: Keep your property clean and free of clutter. Regularly sweep and vacuum floors and wipe down counters and surfaces.
Use traps: Snap traps and glue traps can be effective at catching rodents. Place them in areas where rodents are likely to travel, such as along walls or near entry points.
In conclusion…
Rodent infestations can cause a lot of damage and pose a risk to human and pet health. By identifying the causes and signs of rodent infestations, you can take steps to prevent and eliminate them. These rodents can be harmful to those living inside the house because of the diseases and parasites that they carry. It is vital to eliminate the nest and treat all of the infected areas to ensure that you receive proper treatment.
Love,
TDP x
