A lot of homeowners deal with rodents like Norway rats, mice, and roof rats. These creatures can cause property damage and pose health risks. So, if you think you have a rodent issue in your house, you must take prompt action to prevent further problems. This includes hiring a pest control company like Stride Pest Control to take care of the issue for you. To deal with rodents effectively, here are tips to keep in mind:

Identify Infestation Signs

Find droppings, gnaw marks on walls or furniture, chewed insulation or wires, and nests built out of shredded materials such as fabric or paper. Finding these signs means rodents have set up shop in your house. 

Get Rid of Food Sources

Rodents are drawn to sources of food, so get rid of possible food supplies that can draw them to your house. Also, store your food in sealed containers. Whenever there are crumbs or spills, clean them up right away. Seal the garbage bins tightly and dispose of your trash regularly. If there is an active rodent infestation in your house, pay attention to where food waste is stored. Rat activity could be present in such areas. 

Close Entry Points

To ensure rodents cannot enter your home seal off potential entry points for them. Check your home’s exterior for cracks and gaps and use caulk or steel wool to seal them. Pay attention to areas around vents, windows, doors, pipes, and vents. A lot of rodents take shelter in crawl spaces and attics and do severe property damage there. 

Clean Your Home Regularly

When you deal with a rodent infestation, keeping your home clean is essential. Regular cleaning such as vacuuming upholstery and floors as well as wiping down surfaces using disinfectant cleaners will discourage rodents from setting up residence inside. Also, this will get rid of traces of scent that might draw rodents into your living space. Pay close attention to mouse droppings, urine trails, and gnaw marks on entryways. 

Hire Pest Control Service

If your rodent problem persists despite your best efforts to eliminate them, it’s time to call in the experts. An experienced pest control expert can evaluate the seriousness of the rodent infestation and offer effective solutions that suit your particular needs. They possess the knowledge tools, and expertise to get rid of rodents efficiently and safely. 

Consider Regular Inspections

To prevent rodents from invading your home in the future, schedule regular property inspections. This will help determine possible entry points or signs of infestations early on. This way, you can take action promptly before the issue becomes worse. 

Dealing with a rodent infestation can be challenging; however, the tips above can help eliminate the pests from your property. Keep in mind that taking prompt action is essential to preventing further property damage and protecting your family’s health. 

Know What You Must Not Do

When dealing with rodents, you shouldn’t think cats will solve the issue. While cats are predators of mice and rats, they cannot help deal with an infestation. Plus, not all cats will catch rodents. Remember that rats and mice carry diseases, so if your cat catches a rodent, it can develop an infection. Also, there is a risk of them getting ticks from rodents or ingesting rodent poison. Cats can only do so much because they cannot reach rats in walls. 

Moreover, you should not use cheap rodent poison. While poison can get rid of rodents from inside your house, it does not solve the issue. In fact, it can even make things worse. Aside from the foul smell, rats can pose health concerns because they can die in areas that are hard to reach.