Rats and mice are more than just a nuisance – they’re a serious health hazard, too. Besides spreading diseases, they also contaminate food and cause property damage. Catching these rodents early is key so you won’t find yourself dealing with a full-blown infestation.
While DIY methods can work for minor issues, larger infestations require expert extermination services. As pest control professionals, we have the tools and knowledge to tackle stubborn rodent problems safely and effectively.
Prevention Strategies
Proper Food Storage
Food that’s lying around is a primary attractant for rodents, so be sure to store all food in airtight containers made of metal, glass, or thick plastic. This includes pet food, birdseed, and even garbage.
Keep your kitchen countertops and floors clean of crumbs and spills by wiping them down regularly with a disinfectant cleaner. It’s also not advisable to leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Instead, wash them promptly or store them in the dishwasher.
Sealing Entry Points
Rats and mice are especially adept at finding entry points into your home. Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, holes, and gaps, and seal any openings that are larger than 1/4 inch with steel wool or caulk.
Also, check around pipes, vents, and utility lines for potential entry points. Use expandable foam or wire mesh to close these gaps. You should also install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged window screens.
Clutter Control
Rodents love to nest in piles of cardboard, paper, and fabric. Make sure you reduce the clutter in storage areas like attics, basements, and garages.
If possible, store items in plastic or metal containers instead of cardboard boxes, as rodents can easily chew through them. It’s also best to elevate stored items off the floor.
Elimination Techniques
Traps and Baits
Snap traps remain a popular choice for catching rats and mice. These simple devices use a spring-loaded bar to catch rodents. There are also live catch traps that allow for catch-and-release.
Before trying to use traps and baits, keep in mind that you need to consider safe handling practices. You don’t want to risk getting bitten or catching a disease from the rodent. Because of the risks involved, we highly recommend that you leave the job of rodent elimination to our experts.
Natural and Chemical Repellents
Essential Oils: Certain scents can make spaces less attractive to rodents. Peppermint oil has a strong aroma that rats and mice tend to avoid, so place a few drops on cotton balls and distribute them in problem areas.
Ultrasonic Devices: Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sound waves that are unpleasant to rodents but typically inaudible to humans and pets. These devices plug into electrical outlets and cover a specific area, often a single room.
While results can vary, some people find them helpful as part of a broader pest control strategy.
Professional Extermination Services
Sometimes, DIY elimination strategies won’t be effective enough in eliminating rodents. This is where our professional pest control services come in. With our specialized expertise and tools, we’re able to help you eliminate rat and mouse infestations.
We start each extermination service with a detailed inspection of your property, where our technician will identify entry points, nesting areas, and signs of rodent activity.
We’ll then create a customized treatment plan based on the infestation’s severity and location. This may include setting traps, applying industrial rodenticides, or using exclusion methods.
Our technician will always explain our extermination plan and answer any questions. They’ll also provide safety instructions for residents and pets during treatment. Follow-up visits are usually scheduled to monitor progress and adjust the strategy if needed.
Protect Your Home From Rats and Mice
You don’t want rodents to share your home, as they can contaminate your food, spread diseases, and damage your home. If you suspect a rodent infestation, take action immediately and give us a call. Let us help you with our effective rodent elimination methods and make your home safe again.
Brandon is the President of Drake Lawn and Pest Control in Orlando, FL . He has over 30 years experience in the Orlando Pest Control Industry. He attributes his achievements to living by these rules: continuous training and education, providing honest work and striving for the pursuit of perfect service.
