Some pests never give it a rest. In this post, we tell readers which pests are active year-round — and why staying on top of pest issues all year is so important.
Continue readingThe Year-Round Pests of the Pacific Northwest
Winter’s Worst: 9 Pests That are Super Active in the Winter
When temperatures chill out, pests are nothing to worry about, right? Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. In this blog, we warn readers about the tyranny of pests that are active even in the chillier months.
Continue readingRodents: More Than Just a Nusiance
Rats and mice might seem mostly harmless, but they can spread disease, damage property, and ruin food. In this post, we warn readers of these threats and tell them a bit more about rodents.
Continue readingFall Rodent & Wildlife Prevention Tips
Fall Rodent & Wildlife Prevention Tips
A rodent infestation is the last thing you want to deal with going into the holiday season. Not only are these pesky creatures creepy and persistent, but they can also be incredibly damaging to your home and health. Even a small infestation can wreak havoc – from chewing walls and wires to spreading diseases, the consequences of a rodent infestation are no joke. Knowing fall rodent and wildlife prevention tips could keep you from dealing with these dangerous pests.
Particularly as temperatures drop and rodents look for warm places to spend the winter, it’s important to take a few preventative measures and keep these destructive pests out of your home. Fortunately, rodent prevention doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are our top tips for keeping rodents out of your home this fall:
Seal off any cracks or holes.
When cold weather hits, rodents and other pests will start searching for a cozy place to spend the winter. A home that is warm and easy to get into is a prime target for rodents. Taking the time to fix broken screens and seal off any cracks or holes with caulk can help prevent these pests from sneaking indoors this fall.
Properly store and dispose of trash.
If there’s one thing rodents love, it’s trash. The variety of rotting materials make an excellent food source for rodents and wildlife, which is why so many pests target unprotected garbage cans. By promptly disposing of your trash in a sealed trash can, you can cut off a potential food source for rodents and other pests.
Store food in airtight containers.
Food out in the open is like a buffet for pests and wildlife. Storing your food in airtight containers can prevent rodents from getting into your goodies, while also making it more challenging for them to find food near your home.
Fix any leaks or damp areas in your home.
Like most other creatures, rodents need a water source to survive. So, that leaky pipe or constantly damp basement is an oasis for wildlife. By fixing leaks and solving moisture problems, you are cutting off a potential water supply and making it more difficult for pests to infest your home.
Regularly clean your counters and floors.
Throughout the day, crumbs and small bits of food may collect on your countertops and floors. Even if you hardly notice the tiny mess, rodents and other pests – like ants – could snack on these crumbs. Regularly wiping down your counters and sweeping or vacuuming your floors can deter rodents by making it difficult for them to find food.
Remove clutter throughout your home.
Rodents and other pests often prefer to live in spaces with plenty of nooks and crannies, which makes a cluttered home the perfect spot for them to nest. Boxes, piles of clothes, old furniture, and other random and seldom-used items can all become great hiding places for rodents. Clearing out clutter makes it more difficult for rodents and other pests to build a secluded nest.
Clean up your landscaping.
That pile of leaves next to your home may not seem like a big deal, but it could be sheltering rodents or wildlife – which makes it that much easier for pests to enter your home once cold weather hits. If you have large bushes or piles of leaves near the foundation of your home, you may not notice that rodents are hiding out so close. Cleaning up your landscaping can prevent pests from going unnoticed.
A rodent infestation is a serious problem. While these tips can help you prevent rodents and other pests from entering your home this fall, we still recommend seeking professional help as soon as possible if you are facing an infestation.
If your home is riddled with rodents, contact Interstate Pest Management in the Pacific Northwest today! Our highly trained pest control specialists can help safely remove pests and build a personalized prevention plan to keep rodents out for good. Just give us a call today!
What To Do If You Have A Rodent Problem
As fall and winter roll around, we love to think of all of the beautiful things they bring with them. Breathtaking scenery, holidays, and family time, but one thing that these beautiful seasons bring with them that isn’t so pretty is an increase in rodent infestations. While so small, they have a way of making our homes feel invaded and unsafe. If you’ve discovered these creepy critters in your house there are several steps you can take to eliminate the problem not only quickly, but humanely.
It’s important to find solutions that are not only safe for you and your family but also effective in getting get rid of the infestation. Not only are rats and mice one of the biggest nuisances when it comes to your home, but they bring unwanted gifts like droppings and messes. Rodents eat through electrical wires and walls, causing extensive damage and in some cases, fires. Talk about a bad house guest. Speed and time are of the essence when it comes to rodents, as they breed extremely fast and year-round, so channel your inner Usain Bolt and get moving!
- Houston, we have a (rodent) problem. First, make sure that you actually have a rodent problem, which seems like a no-brainer. If you hear pitter-patter sounds throughout your house within the walls or attic, you’re likely housing rats or mice. But your mind can play tricks on your hearing, so the best way to detect a rodent problem is by looking for droppings, chewed wires, and tracks. These are the three tell-tale signs of a rodent infestation.
- Find them. Once you find out that you have them, find out where they’re coming from. Rodents are the best criminals, infamous for sneaking into houses through small spaces. Your best bet is to determine their entry points. Once you determine where the rodents are coming from, you can begin to set traps. Common places you should look at include near the stove’s power supply, inside the attic and crawl spaces, the cupboards, and the garage. Rodents can get into incredibly small spaces, so pay very close attention to details when trying to find their entry points as it can be difficult to find these entry points. After you’ve taken these steps, seal every entry hole that you find. You need to use materials that are impossible for rodents to chew through, such as steel. Don’t underestimate rodents, as they can even chew through cement!
- Gotcha. After sealing all the entry holes you’ve found, you can begin to set traps. Choose efficient traps, as rodents are instinctively wary of new elements in their environment. Rats and mice have a sixth sense for detecting booby traps, so make sure to be on your A-game. Some variations of more efficient traps are snap, electronic, multiple catch, and glue traps. The traps should be placed near the rodent’s entry points. Rodent poison is another option but can be extremely dangerous to children and pets if not used properly. With rat poison, always make sure to do your research. If you are interested in this option, it’s best to choose a rat poison that has been approved by the EPA.
- One more thing. Last but certainly not least, it’s time to remove the dead rodents from your home. It’s not pretty, but you’ll have to remove the bodies from your home safely. Use protective gear and follow the necessary safety procedures like you are a member of the CDC. The bodies may still carry the many diseases that rodents possess.
Rodent removal is an unsavory and sometimes difficult task and can be threatening to the health of your family and home. The best way to have the assurance that the problem will be eradicated in a humane and permanent way is to contact us. With over 50 years of experience dealing with rodent control, take comfort in knowing we have a team of experts waiting for your call.