It’s hot outside right now, but the cooler winter temperatures will soon be here and that can mean rodents will be seeking food and shelter, as well. While your first reaction may be to panic at the thought, it is possible to get things under control with the help of the professional services of Slug-A-Bug Pest Control.
First, keep in mind that this is not your fault—rodents are scavengers by nature and it is their job to seek food and shelter wherever they can find it. They are naturally curious creatures and will explore nooks and crannies when available to them. That said, they do carry with them disease as well as ticks and fleas, so it is important to get them under control as soon as possible. The first step in keeping your home free of rodents is in prevention.
PREVENT: Seal off areas where rodents may be entering the home. Rats can squeeze through an opening as small as ½” wide. Holes in window screens, cut into the stucco around pipes, cables or drain openings can also be an entry point, as well as small cracks in soffits and attic vents.
Eliminate attractive food and water sources, seal open food in containers, don’t keep pet food/water outside, keep outdoor grills clean, keep yard clean of birdseed or fruits that may fall to the ground, regularly remove trash or store containers in a garage.
IDENTIFY: Look for evidence of an infestation: rat droppings are about ½-¾” long and either spindle- or capsule-shaped, or you may see evidence of chewing. Sprinkling flour in an area where you think a rat may be traveling (typically along baseboards) is a good way to determine whether you have an unwanted guest in your house.
TREAT: There are several options available to homeowners that are interested in doing it themselves. There are non-chemical methods (traps) as well as rodenticide methods (bait stations) readily available at most hardware stores and both options provide benefits and drawbacks to rodent control. Things to keep in mind when determining what the most effective mode of action will be for you are: location of the trap/bait, would pets or children have access to them and am I able to properly clean up after the pest is trapped. If the rodent is trapped or expires in an area that is inaccessible, the decomposition may be unpleasant and unsanitary. For information on non-chemical methods of control, the University of Florida has published an article on Non-Chemical Rodent Control.
At Slug-A-Bug, we focus on prevention and exclusion as a part of our treatment plan. Our experts will accurately assess the entry points and work with you to eliminate the infestation and help you maintain a pest-free environment. Give us a call for a FREE inspection and information about our exclusion and treatment plans. We’re committed to your living life in a pest-free environment.