Professional rodent control programs are vital to keeping your home free of rodents such as rats and mice. Having rodents enter your home is something you never want to happen, particularly in winter. However, a rodent infestation is common in fall and winter.
As the temperature drops, food and water supplies for rodents become scarce, forcing them to find warm shelter and a source of food in your house. If you find rodents in your home, this means they have found exactly what they need and may want to stay there for good. This makes rodent pest control near me essential. You want to act quickly as a mouse population can grow rapidly.
Common Rodents that Attack Homes
Rodents come in thousands of species, but mice and rats can usually cause infestations.
- House mice. While these rodents can survive outdoors, they prefer to live in homes, particularly in dark, secluded areas. House mice will build their nests in these areas using materials like insulation, cotton, and paper products. Typically, a female house mouse can produce dozens of babies every three weeks.
- Field mice. Although these mice may not infest a house as house mice, they occasionally enter homes. These rodents are often found in outbuildings like garages or sheds. If they get inside, they will look for a secluded place like the attic.
- Roof rats. Roof rats find their way inside your house through the roof, often accessing it from nearby tree limbs. These skilled climbers can also stay under structures or within wood piles.
- Norway rats. While these rats can climb, they prefer to find ground shelter. They are usually found in basements and build their nests in secluded areas.
What Issues Rodents Can Cause?
Rodents will build nests and find materials they cause inside your house. Because of this, they may nibble away fabric, tear out insulation, and shred cardboard boxes. Plus, as their front teeth grow continuously, they must chew regularly to manage such growth.
Once rodents enter your house, they can do significant damage to surfaces and objects. They can chew through electrical wiring, causing fire. Also, they can chew through pipework, causing water leaks, flooding, mold, and damage.
Moreover, rodents will leave droppings and urine in any location. Unfortunately, these waste products are a health issue. Usually, droppings are left on countertops, food stores, food prep areas, and cabinets, causing food contamination and illness. Plus, rodent urine and feces can have airborne particles that can cause respiratory issues for humans.
