Rodents such as rats and mice are a health risk to your family and pets. They are known to carry lethal diseases that can spread through their droppings and urine. Your health could be in danger through direct contact with these or by eating contaminated food.
They also cause structural damages to your home through constant gnawing. This can destroy pipings and wooden beams in your building. Rats can also cause an electrical fire in your home by chewing on cables.
Rodents dwell closer to people as we are a good source of food and shelter to them. It can be difficult to get rid of them once an infestation has begun. Here are some tips to keep them away, according to Olympia pest control experts.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Rodents can slip into your home through the tiniest of holes. Mice typically measure about 2 inches and can easily squeeze in. Look out for holes the size of a coin around your home. Make sure there are no cracks in your windows. Use proper material such as caulk or plaster to seal these entry points. Install sweeps and thresholds at the bottom of your doors.
Destroy Their Habitat
Rats like to hide and build nests in junk piles and old appliances. Make sure to throw away debris and old items, not in use. If you have tall grass in your garden area, keep them trim so rats cannot take shelter there.
Remove Their Food Source
Rats look for food in small groups and usually return to the same source. Always clean up after cooking and eating and remove any crumbs and leftovers. It is advisable to feed your pets outside your house and clean up thoroughly once done.
Make sure food items are stored properly in your home. Seal them in tight containers that cannot be chewed easily by rodents.
Rats are easily content with food waste from your trash. Your rubbish bins should be covered tightly, so it is inaccessible to them.
Trap Them With Baits
Since rats are nocturnal, it is quite difficult to spot them when you are awake. If you still notice damages at your home despite the above measures, it is probably time to use a trap.
You can set a trap with bait in order to effectively control rodent presence in your home. When purchasing a trap, remember to choose the right size.
You can use dried fruits, peanut butter or even pet food as bait to lure them into your trap. It is also vital to choose the right size and amount of bait. Rats are very cautious with anything new. They avoid them until it becomes familiar, so it is important to have some patience.
Scents from caught rats will attract other rats, so reuse the same traps. Do not use poison together with your bait. Poison does not make it more effective but may put the safety of your family and pets at risk.
Conclusion
Rats breed and multiply very quickly. A female rat gives birth to 12 pups in a litter and can generate 1,500 pups in a year. It is important not to take any chances when dealing with these dangerous pests.
In the event of a large infestation, it is best to get the help of professionals who will be able to produce a better and effective outcome.
