A rodent infestation is more than just a nuisance. Rodents carry diseases and attract other pests, like fleas and ticks, that also threaten your family’s health. Their tendency to gnaw on electrical wiring has sparked many a house fire. At the very least, rats, mice and squirrels damage property and make a huge mess.
Rodents look for quiet places of shelter that offer protection from larger animals. Your home’s warmth and safety make it ideal for raising a family. These nocturnal creatures wait for the house to get quiet before rummaging for food and nesting materials. You may never spot one, but signs of trouble include droppings, a pungent, musty odor, greasy marks around doorframes or baseboards and evidence of food tampering.
Teeth marks are also telltale signs. Rodents gnaw obsessively because their incisors never stop growing. Woodwork, cardboard, electrical cords, food packaging, furniture and even books are fair game.
Keep reading to learn about rodents’ favorite hiding places and what you can do to deter these dangerous pests.
Attics
Squirrels and roof rats are good at finding entry points around roofs and eaves, and they can flatten their bodies to slip through incredibly small gaps. They are fairly easy to hear overhead, especially in the evening hours.
Make sure that woodwork around the roof is in good repair and that vents and chimneys are covered with strong wire mesh.
Inside Walls
Rats and mice take advantage of wall cavities for free access to the whole house. A squirrel might fall from the attic and be unable to find an escape. Listen for rustling and squeaking, and inspect your baseboards for openings. A lingering foul odor might indicate a decomposing body.
Call on one of our experts to pinpoint infested corridors and provide a solution.
Basements, Garages, Storage Closets and Sheds
It’s no surprise that spaces that accumulate clutter and have little human traffic are appealing. They’re usually dark and quiet, and they contain plenty of useful materials for making a home. Cardboard storage boxes that are rarely opened are as inviting as it gets.
Keep these areas neat and well lit. Use sturdy plastic storage tubs with tight-fitting lids, especially if they’re used to store pet food.
Kitchens
Rats and mice don’t typically nest in commonly occupied rooms, but the kitchen is an exception. Proximity to food sources is a major selling point for rodent real estate. Mice often hole up in protected areas behind appliances. They also slip behind loose baseboards and settle under cabinets that are rarely opened. Keep your kitchen as clean and free of crumbs as possible, and tightly seal all food products.
Trust the Pros
The trapping and removal of rodents is a hazardous job that only a professional should tackle.
Keep your family safe by calling Hart Pest Control today. Our extensively trained and highly experienced technicians can provide effective solutions for rodents and other pests.