Homeownership comes with a long list of responsibilities, one of which is dealing with pesky pests. Unfortunately, rodents are a common problem that many homeowners face. While they may seem harmless, these furry creatures can cause a lot of damage to your home and property. If you suspect you have a rodent problem, it’s crucial to take action quickly to eliminate them.
Disease, destruction, and more: the dangers of rodents.
Disease
Rodents carry a number of diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including plague, hantavirus, and leptospirosis.
Destruction
In addition to their health risks, rodents can be a nuisance. They can also cause significant damage to your property, chewing through walls, insulation, and wiring. They may steal food from your pantry or rummage through your trash. Their constant chewing can create noise that keeps you up at night. If you have young children or pets in your home, rodents can also pose a safety hazard.
Attractants: what makes your home attractive to rodents?
Your home is the perfect place for rodents to live. What makes your home so attractive to these pests?
- Food
One of the most common attractants is food and water. If you have food that is easily accessible to them, such as in a pantry or cupboard, or water, such as a dripping faucet or a pet water bowl, they will be more likely to come inside.
- Shelter
Another attractant is shelter. If your home provides them with a place to nest and keep warm, they will be more likely to stay. Finally, if you have items such as paper or cardboard lying around, they will be more likely to build their nests. Another reason is that your home is usually free from predators. This means that rodents can live and breed without fear of being eaten by another animal.
- Temperature
Finally, your home is usually a comfortable temperature for rodents. This is important because they are cold-blooded animals and need a warm environment to survive.
Exclusion: how to seal up your home
If you’re concerned about rodents entering your home, there are some things you can do to seal up any potential openings they could use. Start by inspecting the outside of your home and looking for any cracks or holes that could serve as an entry point. These can be sealed up with caulk or steel wool. Another potential entry point is where utility lines enter your home; these can be sealed with expandable foam sealant.
Sanitation: keeping your home clean
Sanitation is important for keeping your home clean and free of rodents. Keep food and garbage properly sealed and stored. Rodents are attracted to food odors, so keeping things clean and tidy will help discourage them from coming inside. Regular cleaning and vacuuming will help remove any food or nesting materials that rodents might be attracted to.
If You Already Have Rodents
When it comes to getting rid of rodents, there are a few different methods that you can try. Some people prefer to use traps, while others may choose to use poison. Here are a few of the best ways to get rid of rodents:
- One of the best ways to get rid of rodents is by using traps. Traps are an effective way to catch and kill rodents and can be placed in various locations around your home.
- Another great way to get rid of rodents is by using poison. Poison is an effective way to kill rats and mice and can be found at most hardware stores.
- Call an exterminator. Sometimes rodents can be eliminated by using store-bought baits, but because they reproduce so quickly and are fast-moving, rats and mice can be challenging to totally get rid of. An expert exterminator knows how to help you forever say goodbye to these annoying critters in your home.
Showing rodents out the door for good can be tricky if you try it yourself. Still, a professional extermination company can help eliminate these pesterers from your Monterey County home. Today, schedule an inspection from your local pest control professionals, Target Pest Control, and say goodbye to those repelling rodents.
