The common solution to rodent problems is to set down a couple of traps, catch the rodents, and consider the job done. But is this really a solution? As rodent control experts, we can tell you that it definitely is not a solution. Catching a few rodents and no longer seeing rodents in your traps does not mean they're gone. They can learn to avoid traps. Catching a few rodents and no longer hearing them does not guarantee they're gone, either. Mice and rats can live in a structure without making any detectable sounds. Plus, traps are only one part of a rodent control solution. It isn't enough to get rid of rodents. You need to take steps to keep them out. We call this exclusion work. But it isn't easy work, so property owners usually don't want to do it—and many professionals don't want to do it either. Today, we'll look at rodent control in a way you've likely never heard. We'll break down the elements of an effective rodent control plan, explain why effective control is critical, share five exclusion tips you can do if you don't mind the work, and explain how RodentX helps with pest control in Rochester and to get total rodent control.
What Is Rodent Control?
We have three kinds of rodents in Rochester that typically enter structures. They are mice, rats, and squirrels. Rodent control differs depending on what kind of rodent you're attempting to control. Let's start by looking at an example of each.
House Mice: These are the worst of all rodent pests. They love living in structures and can dwell permanently in a home or business. They're also small rodents, making them hard to exclude. An effective strategy for these rodents will include an interior inspection to locate nests and other signs of activity, deployment of control products, rodent-proofing, repair work, and insulation replacement
Squirrels: These furry-tailed rodents can sometimes get into attic spaces. Wildlife management methods are used to allow squirrels to exit the structure and not get back inside. If there are babies inside, they are relocated to the exterior. Once done, it is essential to seal entry points and address contaminated insulation.
Norway Rats: These are large rodents that prefer to live in ground burrows. If there are no entry points into a structure, they may only live outside on the property. Control methods used for house mice work on these rats, but often the control is targeted to outdoor areas.
Roof Rats: These are mid-size rodents. They act like squirrels as they enter a structure. Once inside, they act like house mice. Wildlife management methods are not enough for these pests. Effective control requires a combination of interior trapping, exclusion work, damage repair, and sanitation.
Deer Mice: These mice can get into structures but don't typically create populations in homes and businesses. They're found in sheds, barns, storage lockers, etc. Control is targeted to the area where these rodents are finding harborage.
All rodent problems are not the same. Each rodent is unique and can act in unexpected ways. The primary methods used to control them are a mix of professional inspections, monitoring devices, traps, sanitation, damage repair, rodent-proofing, and other exclusion work.
Why Effective Rodent Control Is So Important
Rodents infest structures in different ways, but they share some common traits that make them unwanted guests in Rochester homes and businesses. Let's carefully consider the dangers and how they relate to effective rodent control in Rochester.
Fires: Rodents chew on wiring and gas lines. Experts believe they represent a serious fire hazard. We don't need to tell you how bad it is when a fire breaks out inside a structure.
Damage: Rodents chew on wood and damage stored items when they chew on them. If mice, rats, or squirrels get into an attic storage area or an exterior storage shed, they can cause irreparable damage.
Contamination: Rodents leave waste as they explore. Their droppings and urine are considered a disease threat. Mice and rats contaminate stored foods, food packing, shelves, counters, dishes, and more. Squirrel contamination tends to stay isolated to attic spaces.
Ticks: One tiny little mouse can have a hundred seed ticks on its body. When seed ticks grow, they drop off small animals and search for large animals to bite. If they do this in your home, you are at risk for tick bites and tick-borne diseases.
The primary issue with rodents is that they are wild. They're not going to behave like domesticated animals inside your home or business. So, it is best to keep wild rodents out. Let's turn our focus to prevention and exclusion.
Five Effective Rodent Exclusion Tips
If you don't have a rodent infestation at the moment, there are many ways you can work to keep rodents out—and prevent wild rodents from becoming house rodents. These exclusion methods take some muscle, but they are worth your effort.
1. Repairs
A common factor that leads to a rodent infestation is the presence of rotting wood. There are many reasons wood may start to rot, but a common reason is damaged gutters. If wood damage is not repaired, mice and rats can get the wrong idea and may start chewing on the wood, creating a hole large enough to fit through so that they are able to enter your walls.
2. Pest-Proofing
There are items that keep pests from entering your property. Weatherstripping doesn't just help keep the warm air in your home on a cold winter day; it also prevents pest entry. Door sweeps stop pests from slipping under. If a mouse sees a small hole, it may chew on it and make it larger. Repair weatherstripping and door sweeps to prevent this. Rodents can climb on or chew screens. If you see damaged screens, check to see if you have any holes in the frames of your windows and doors and repair the damaged screens. Also, check to make sure all of your vents have covers, so mice and rats can't use them to enter.
3. Patching Gaps And Cracks
Rodents commonly get into structures by way of gaps around pipes, wires, wire conduits, and other foundation penetrations. A caulking gun or some expanding foam can patch these gaps. Check to make sure rodents don't chew through the materials you apply. If you see damage to your patches, a more robust patch is needed, such as metal flashing or hardware cloth.
4. Protecting Common Entry Points
Rodents can get to high points on a structure. It is not uncommon for them to get in through gable vents. These should have hardware cloth installed to keep rodents out. Squirrels and roof rats commonly chew on soffits. Metal flashing is sometimes needed to guard critical areas. It is also important to consider voids under structures. You can use hardware cloth or a fencing material to prevent rodents from getting under your porch, deck, or patio. In these hiding places, mice and rats can chew on sole plates and enter walls.
5. Blocking Routes
Rodents are climbers. They can scale a tree and use a branch to get onto your roof. They can wiggle and climb up a downspout. They can work their way up a pipe on the side of a structure. Trim branches away from your roofline. Put a strong and resistant material, such as wire mesh, into the downspouts of your gutter system. Install guards on exterior pipes to stop rodents in their tracks.
If you have the time, energy, and know-how to take these steps, you'll have effective rodent control. But what do you do if you already have an infestation or don't want to tackle exclusion work on your own? This is where RodentX can help.
Professional Rodent Control Is The Best Solution
If you're in Rochester, contact RodentX for rodent control or prevention. We offer comprehensive solutions to rodent problems and provide all of the services you need for long-lasting and sustainable control of these pests.
- We start by inspecting your property, locating nests, evaluating conducive conditions, and considering the factors that promote infestations.
- We share our findings with you and guide you in selecting a treatment or management plan.
- We apply industry-leading rodent control within infested structures and monitor the success of the control plan.
- We apply exclusions to prevent continued entry.
- We can repair damaged areas so that rodents aren't attracted to your property or allowed to enter.
- We offer sanitation and insulation repair to restore your attic and remove smells that can invite future infestations.
Whether you're in need of rodent control or wildlife management in Rochester, you can count on RodentX for effective solutions. We specialize in this type of pest control, and our service team has a track record of achieving great results. Jump to our contact page and fill out the short form to get started. We'll contact you, listen closely to your concerns, and guide you every step of the way. Whether you are currently dealing with rodents (or hope to never have to deal with rodents in your home or business), we can help.
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