Did you know that an exterminator will kill and remove rodents, but leave your home open to future infestations? Rodent removal only takes care of the immediate issue. A successful rodent control strategy involves 3 elements: sanitation, rodent proofing and, if necessary, population control.
Sanitation
Sanitation is fundamental to rodent control and must be done continuously. Good housekeeping and landscaping can reduce or eliminate available shelter and food sources. If you have had a rodent problem in the past, sanitize any areas where you found droppings, a nest, or successfully trapped a rodent.
Rodents carry bacteria, viruses and other diseases, so any cleaning efforts must be done with caution. Sweeping or vacuuming may actually send infectious particles airborne. Seek professional help if you have allergies or sensitivities to strong chemicals.
Rodents mark areas that they deem good living places, and if they are not cleaned properly, the scent acts like a homing beacon to other rodents that may be passing by.
Rodent Proofing
The most successful and long term solution for rodent control is exclusion. Sealing cracks and openings larger than ¼ inch in building foundations, rooflines and where different construction materials meet. Coarse steel wool, wire screen and light-weight sheet metal are excellent materials for plugging gaps and holes. Exclusion also includes repairing doors and windows that do not operate properly or shut securely. Do not forget to inspect and repair air vents that may not be in sound working order.
Population Control
When access to food, water and shelter are not properly control, rodent populations can explode. Trapping is best for indoor infestations, as poisons can allow the rodents time to return to their nests deep within the structure before expiring.
Depending on where you live, some rodent removal may not even be possible. Some bats, for example, are endangered. There are laws protecting barring people from disturbing their nests during mating season, and killing them can come with stiff fines and penalties.
The Indiana bat, an endangered species, has been discovered at the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge in northern Sussex County, New Jersey. Source: NJ.com
The Department of Health has listed tips to help with rodent control:
- Store garbage in heavy containers with tight lids
- Do not leave plastic garbage bags out overnight
- Remove weeds and debris near building and yards
- Store opened food in metal or glass containers with lids
- Do not leave extra pet food out
- Sweep up food and trash off the floor
- Inspect basement for cracks or holes
- Place screens on all windows
- Use metal trim on outside doors
- Store lumber and boxes on a rack with an open area underneath
If you have hiding places for the rodents to stay, and food for them to eat, then rodents will find their way back into your home. Atticare’s team of experts will work with you to create a custom plan to prevent rodents from returning. Through the proper sanitation and rodent control methods, your home can be vermin free.
