For as long as rats, mice, and squirrels have been invading homes, people have been inventing ways to stop them. There have been hundreds of rodent traps, prevention methods, and pest control products created. Some work, others put more than just rodents at risk. Today we are going to break down rodent control for you with a comprehensive guide so that your Lewisville home can get the protection it deserves.
Different Rodents In The Area
Here in Lewisville, rats and mice are the two most typical rodent invaders. Squirrels can also be a nuisance, but due to our warmer year-round temperatures, they are less likely to invade homes. As for rats and mice, there are only three species you have to worry about—house mice, brown rats, and roof rats. These three pests will try to invade your home in several ways for various reasons.
The best way you can tell mice and rats apart is with their size and shape. Rats are generally at least twice the size of mice and have blunter noses, hairless tails, and round rumps. Mice, on the other hand, have pointier noses and have tails with small hairs.
The Dangers Of Having Rodents In The Home
It is easy to underestimate the danger rodents pose. The truth is, rodents are one of the most dangerous house pests that exist. Capable of carrying and transmitting a number of diseases in the form of bacteria and parasites, rodents in homes put both human residents and pets at risk. Rodents can also be destructive. They chew holes through walls, utility piping, electrical wiring, and other essential home fixtures. The last thing you need is to come home to an electrical fire caused by rodents.
If all of this isn’t enough, rodents can also carry parasitic pests such as fleas, ticks, and mites into homes. Once inside, these smaller pests can leave their rodent hosts and use your pets as their new host. They can even infest furniture, carpets, and other areas of your house, and they come with their own laundry list of dangerous diseases that they can spread.
How Rodents Get In And How You Can Keep Them Away
There are many ways to attempt to deal with a rodent infestation, but not everything works. In fact, many DIY methods, such as using sprays or other chemical-based pest control, can put you, your family, and your pets at risk. If you are looking for the safest and most effective way to deal with a rodent infestation, you will find it here at Texas Star Pest and Termite. We have the reliable and stress-free rodent control you need.
Give us a call today to schedule immediate services for your Lewisville home.
How Rodents Get In And How You Can Keep Them Away
Typically, rodents will find their way into homes through a gap, crack, or opening in the exterior of your house or even an open door. To keep rodents from getting inside, you need to limit potential entry points. Here are some great ways to do this.
- Use a caulking gun and wire mesh to seal gaps and cracks in your exterior foundation.
- Make sure exterior doors are properly sealed and have no noticeable gaps underneath them.
- Repair any damages higher up on your home that could allow rodents a way in. Make sure not to neglect your roofline and roof; many rodents are fantastic climbers.
- Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
In addition to limiting entry points, you want to make your home the least attractive it can be to potential rodent invaders - some ways to do this are listed below.
- Limit where you and your family eat to one or two rooms and make sure to clean up after you finish a meal.
- Store leftover foods inside of sealed containers or in the fridge.
- Repackage food stored in cardboard boxes such as cereal into larger plastic, metal, or glass containers.
- Fix leaks around the home and eliminate any sources of standing water.
- Pick up pet food and water bowls before going to bed at night.