If rodents were crawling around inside your home, you would know about it, right? You've seen mice and rats wander out in the open on TV and in movies, so why would be any different inside your house? Let's just say finding one rodent in your home does not mean your home has only one rodent. To identify these furry pests early and prevent them from coming inside in the future, here are some things residents here in Mooresville ought to know.
Problems Rodents Cause
There is no denying that rodents are annoying, but did you know these pests can also be dangerous? Rodents carry several dangerous diseases such as salmonellosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, and rat-bite fever. They can spread these diseases through their fecal matter and urine. Keep this in mind if you are ever cleaning up after a rodent infestation in your home and use safety equipment to limit your exposure.
Rodents have front teeth that never stop growing. In order to keep their teeth from growing uncomfortably long, they gnaw on things constantly. This chewing behavior wouldn't be much of a problem if it weren't for the fact that mice and rat's teeth are strong enough to chew through wood, plastic, vinyl, and even certain metals.
When rodents invade a home, they are not always alone. Sometimes they come inside carrying fleas and ticks. These smaller parasitic pests are a big problem for both homeowners and pets alike with the many diseases they themselves carry.
How to Identify Rodents
Rodents like rats and mice do not like interacting with humans. For this reason, they will do everything in their power to stay hidden when inside a home. The only time one of these skittish pests will come out into the open, in broad daylight, is if food is running low for their mischief (a group of rodents) or if living space in your walls becomes cramped with other rodents. To identify rodents before this happens, keep your eye out for these signs.
- Pellets of fecal matter in the back of drawers, around pantries, and around where rodents are nesting
- Grease marks along baseboards
- Gnaw marks on furniture
- Holes chewed through walls, boxes of food, and thinner doors
- The pitter-patter of tiny feet coming from inside your wall and ceiling voids late at night
Prevention Tips For Rodents
If your home does not yet have a rodent infestation, some things will help you keep it that way. Here are a few great prevention tips our experts recommend:
- Fill in holes, gaps, and cracks in your home's exterior foundation using a caulking gun and some steel wool.
- Install metal screens over open vents leading out of your home.
- Eliminate clutter and debris from around your property.
- Fix leaky piping and fixtures around your house.
- Make sure your gutters are clear of debris and in good repair.
- Keep your home as clean as possible.
- Put leftovers and food stored in cardboard boxes or plastic bags into sealable rodent-proof containers.
- Invest in rodent-proof trash cans.
The Best Way to Handle Rodents
When rodents invade, Lake Norman Home Services jumps into action. Our team knows where rodents hide around homes and how to implement advanced pest control tactics to get them out fast. If rodents are causing trouble around your Mooresville property or you are looking for a simple way to keep these pests out year-round, let us help! Contact our team by phone or through our website to learn more about our rodent control services or to schedule a service visit.