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Getting Rid of Rodents

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Rodents, which include rats and mice, are gnawing mammals. They are distinguished by their strong incisors that constantly grow. Unsurprisingly, rodents are considered pests. They bite their way through walls, while also transferring diseases and contaminating food and water.

Rodent Control
There are a lot of ways of keeping rodents in check. The following are some methods that can help you with rodent control:

1. Prevent exterior access

This means removing anything that attracts rodents. Trees, weed, and overgrown vegetation can provide them access, aside from serving as a food source.

Trees should be trimmed. The branches should not be touching the outer part of your abode. Remove weed and the grass should be kept low. Outdoor items such as firewood should be stored at least a few inches off from the ground.

1. Block entranceways

It’s important to do a thorough inspection of the house. Check for any cracks or holes where rodents can enter. Cover large areas around pipes in mesh. If possible, some spots should be sealed with cement.

1. Remove anything that can attract them inside

 Sanitation is of utmost importance when it comes to keeping rodents under control. Keep food in airtight containers. Store them inside the pantry, cabinets, or in the refrigerator. Avoid leaving food in the counter or in open spaces.

Keep in mind that rodents can nest in cardboard or paper products. And so, it’ll be wise not to store boxes on the floor. Aside from that, do make sure that the faucets are kept off.
Rat Eradication
Rats are long-tailed rodents. And, roof rats are among the most common rats that infest homes. The following are some methods on how to eradicate them from your abode:

1. You can eradicate them by using traps

Using traps is a preferred method for indoor control. This is because it doesn’t involve the use of any poison. Trapping allows you to remove the carcass, in turn preventing insect infestations.
Types of traps:

1. Live catch traps

This trap looks like a small wire cage. One end is a door that can be propped open. Once the rat is inside, it will stand on the pedal to eat the bait. Once the pedal is triggered, the door will slam shut. 

1. Snap traps

This trap is made from wood, plastic, or metal. It has a powerful snap hinge that kills rats quickly.

This trap should be placed where you noticed rat activity. It can also be positioned perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger part is almost touching the wall. This increases the chance of the rat being trapped during its travel.

1. Glue traps

Glue traps are flat pieces of cardboard or shallow plastic trays. They are covered in specifically designed adhesive, which is sometimes pre-scented. The rats get stuck on the board when they pass through it, trapping them until they dies.

1. Baiting

Of course, there’s still the option to use use rat poison. Make sure to put the bait somewhere your pets and other animals won’t be able to reach. Remove the rat carcass immediately to prevent any insect infestation as well as avoid any bad odor.
Mouse Eradication
Mice are essentially small rodents. They have a brown or grey coat. Most mice have long hairless tail. So, what are some of the easiest ways of getting rid of these pests?

1. Remove their source of food

Mice travel in search of food. It’s wise to keep food in tight containers. Again, do not leave food exposed or uncovered. The smell attracts the mice to come out of their hiding place.
In particular though, mice easily get attracted to the smell of bacon     and peanut butter. Water bottles or containers should also be covered. All food should be properly stored.

1. Seal of any entry points

Mice can fit into small openings. Here’s a tip—if you can fit a pencil into the opening, a mouse can fit too. Seal cracks found in the foundation. Cover up any openings in the walls. This includes utility pipes and where vents are placed.

It’s best not to use materials that mice can easily gnaw through. These include rubber, plastic, and wood. For windows and door gaps, get weather stripping. You have to make sure that the sweep on the door creates a seal on the threshold.

1. Use mouse traps

Use different types of mouse traps, and don’t hesitate to use as many as possible. This increases the chances of the mice being totally eradicated.

As always, you can go for the classic wooden mouse trap. Other traps you can use are the bait-traps, glue traps, and the multiple-capture live traps.

In using traps, you should choose the right bait. You can use food you noticed the mice have been eating in your house. You can also use chocolate, oatmeal, hazelnut spread, bacon, or dried fruit.

Make sure to place the traps where there is the highest mice activity, or in spots where they usually travel.

1. Use bait stations

Bait stations are also called bait packages. These are sealed packets containing pellets or meals. The packages come in cellophane, plastic, or paper wrapping. This is for mice to easily gnaw through, feeding on the preserved, fresh bait and die.

This is an effective way to eradicate mice but it’s risky, meaning it’s best left to the professionals. This is to ensure your safety as improper use and disposal of bait packages can be harmful to your health.

Things to Remember
Rodents, like roof rats and mice, are attracted to dirty and dark places. It is advisable to keep the house clean and orderly—at all times.
Also, keep in mind that mice only need small amounts of food. This means they can survive just from eating crumbs. Using a vacuum to clean these up is highly advised.
If you’ve followed the steps above and would like to check whether you’ve eradicated the pests in your home, just place food in the area where they are usually active. If it hasn’t been touched or scattered in the next days, this means they are all gone.

Surely, you can eradicate rodents on your own. This is, if you only have a minor infestation. For major ones, never hesitate to let professional rodent control and eradicators like Fromms do the work.