Rodents, which include mice, rats, and squirrels, have been known to transmit some potentially life-threatening diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rodents have been linked to the direct transmission of Hantavirus, hemorrhagic fevers, Lassa fe
ver, Rat-Bite fever, salmonellosis, Tularemia, Bubonic plague, and Leptospirosis. Rather than risking infection, you need to take steps to stop a rodent infestation before it manifests by learning to recognize the early indicators of a rodent infestation and what actionable steps you can take against it.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Small Holes, and Chewed Debris Indicate a Rodent Infestation
Rodents are characterized by a continually growing pair of incisors (sharp teeth) in the lower and upper jaws. These incisors are incredibly powerful and can chew through nearly any substance, which may include thin-sheet metals, wood, fabrics, and organic matter. Shavings from the particular material may then be present in cabinets, near doorways, and along the baseboards in a home.
Mouse Poop Appears
The presence of mouse poop is one of the leading indicators of a rodent infestation. It usually appears in dark places where rodents stay and near sources of food or water. For example, rodent droppings in an infested home may be found in and around the kitchen, utility room, basement, and restroom.
Unusual Animal Activity Occurs
Skunks often feed on small rodents, and an infested home may have skunks living on or around the property. Furthermore, household pets, such as dogs and cats, may spend excess time in one area stalking something that does not appear to be present. If you happen to have a terrier, you may notice increased barking, running, and other activities during the night.
4 Actionable Tips to Get Rid of Rodents
1. Eliminate Sources of Food
Rodents can live for seven days without drinking, but they will come out for food. Secure food items, which includes birdseed, pet foods, and human food, reports the City of Houston: BARC Animal Shelter. Additionally, purchase a steel, closing trash canister to prevent rodents from digging through the garbage for food when asleep or away.
2. Look For and Plug Rodent Holes With a Steel-Wool Cleaning Product
The best to stop a rodent infestation is to prevent them from entering the home. While it can be tempting to simply repair and patch rodent holes, the creatures will likely return and damage it once more. Until the entire home has been treated by a professional, plug rodent holes with a steel-wood cleaning scrubber. Rodents may eat through the material, but it will result in their death.
3. Move Outdoor Rodent-Attractions Away From the Home
Rodents are attracted to poultry. If you have a coop for poultry near your home, consider relocating it to the other side of your property, and it should not be directly positioned against a wall of your home. This will reduce the incidence of rodents moving indoors.
4. Set Traps
Rodents traps are a truly verifiable way to address a rodent infestation. However, mouse traps can easily expose your family to pathogens due to the presence of blood, fleas, or feces on the trap. Take care in preventing a trap from spreading pathogens by always disposing of traps properly in a sealed bag. Also, do not touch the trap or rodent with bare hands.
No one wants to think about rodent infestations, but they can happen in spring and summer months as well as cooler months. Periods of increased rainfall will also encourage rodents to move indoors. By knowing the three signs of a rodent infestation and how to address the problem before it worsens, you can help keep your family safe from rodent-borne diseases.
To learn more about rodent infestation treatment and removal, contact Preventative Pest Control-Houston at (713) 983-0869 today.