Some pets love to be around people, and some seem not to notice that their owners exist. Rodents are the latter. If you have ever had a rat, mouse, or hamster, then you know what we're talking about. These animals do not bond with humans as well as dogs or cats do and usually run away the second they are let out of their cage. It is also good to note that when not kept in cages as pets, mice and rats are extremely problematic pests. What makes things worse is that once they have free-run of a home, they are extremely difficult to get rid of.
Here's why it is so hard to get rodents out of Phoenix homes and what you need to know in order to handle these pests.
How Rodents Get Into Homes
The majority of rodents that cause trouble inside Phoenix homes are going to be undomesticated. Some common ways these pests find their way indoors include through gaps and cracks in a home's foundation, through damaged window or door screens, under raised and or improperly sealed doors, through open doors or windows, or through damaged areas around a home's exterior. Older homes are typically more susceptible to rodent problems as it takes time for damage to develop and natural entry points to present themselves.
The Dangers Of Rodents
Not all rodents carry diseases, but enough do for it to be a legitimate concern. If an infected mouse or rat is infected and scurrying around inside your home, they are likely spreading disease-causing bacteria everywhere they go including your floors, counters, cupboards, dishes, food items, and more. Rodents also regularly carry fleas and ticks indoors, which come with their own list of diseases they spread to both humans and pets.
Where Rodents Hide Around Homes
Your wall voids are designed to insulate and regulate the temperature of your home. They also work great to protect rodents looking for safe places to hide. When these pests invade living areas, they gravitate toward secluded spots where you can't easily find them such as within wall and ceiling voids, storage areas, and in other hidden locations around the home.
How To Keep Rodents Out
Before we talk about how difficult rodents are to get rid of, here are some practical ways to stop these pests from coming indoors in the first place:
- Fill in any holes, gaps, and cracks in your home's exterior foundation using steel wool and caulk.
- Repair damage to window and door screens.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
- Keep your living areas as clean as possible.
- Make sure to seal your trash cans tightly.
- Store food items in sealed plastic containers or in the fridge.
- Declutter your storage areas like attics, basement, and garages.
- Address any moisture issues in and around your home.
Why Rodents Are Tough To Eliminate
Rodents are difficult to get out of homes for three reasons:
- They are nocturnal. Mice and rats only come out at night, making them hard to identify, and trying to determine how many rodents you're actually dealing with is challenging.
- They are intelligent. It is not uncommon for rats and mice to adapt to avoid traps, learn how to set them off without getting injured, and navigate homes in the best way to avoid danger.
- They are prolific breeders. If your home has a rodent infestation, cross your fingers that there isn't a male and a female. If there is, your small infestation could grow to be huge in just under a year, exponentially increasing as time goes on.
To handle a rodent infestation around your Phoenix property, do not hesitate to get the pest control experts at Overson Pest Control involved. Our team has the advanced rodent control services needed to handle these pests and is standing by to get your home the protection it needs. To get started with rodent control for your home or if you have any questions about our Phoenix pest control services, contact us today!