Rats and mice can be very irritating and can cause property damage if not controlled. These pests also transmit diseases. The best way to identify the presence of rodents is through their droppings or by identifying shredded papers or fabric. Here are some common rodent control methods used by professionals.
Trapping
This is one of the most common and effective ways of controlling rats. They are also cost-effective because snap traps can be applied over and over again. However, traps are labor-intensive.
Traps are set and left in areas like attics where the rats pass through. There are different types of snap traps. Your rodent control professional will advise you on the pros and cons of the options available.
The challenge with snap traps is identifying the right areas to place the traps. The ideal places to set these traps are areas where you find droppings and damage, indicating the presence of the rodents. It is advisable to use bacon, dried fruit, nutmeats, cheese, and peanut butter as bait for the traps.
Rodenticides
These are poisons used to eradicate rodents. They are mainly used for large rodent infestations. The poison is usually placed in a bait station, and the rodents die after consuming the bait.
One downside to rodenticides is they can kill any animal. Therefore, if you have pets in the house, you should inform your pest control professional. Also, ensure the bait is placed in areas that small children cannot easily access.
Ultrasonic Rodent Repellents
Rodents can also be controlled with ultrasonic sound waves. Rodents cannot tolerate these sound waves. Whenever the rodents encounter these sounds, they flee. Open the windows and doors, so they can run away through them.
Sound waves emitted by these devices cannot penetrate through walls. Therefore, you will have to place a device in all the rooms. Another downside is that rodents often get accustomed to the sound waves. It is advisable to use ultrasonic rodent repellents with snap traps or some other method for the best results.
Dirty conditions usually attract rodents; therefore, one of the best ways to avoid a rodent problem is observing proper hygiene. First, avoid stagnant water and improperly disposed of dirt. Also, keep your yard, floors, and carpets clean. An additional preventative measure, especially for areas prone to rodents, is to have a cat around the house. If you are experiencing a severe rodent infestation, consult a rodent control professional immediately to prevent diseases and costly repairs.
Most pest infestations can quickly get out of hand if you do not address them. There is a reason people joke about "breeding like mice." You can go from having two mice in your home to having hundreds in a matter of weeks! When you think there are pests inside your home, you need to take control, and quickly. You take control by calling in a pest control professional. They can use a combination of trapping, poisoning, and cleanup methods to eradicate the pests. Learn more about these methods and about other pest control topics on this website, created to educate people like you about the pest control industry.