Learn About Rodent Pest Control

After realizing that your home is infested with rodents, you may decide to implement pest control tactics. You can utilize a number of different technique to get mice and rats out of your home. You may choose to trap and kill the rodents or implement more humane and natural tactics. Natural methods include repelling rats with used cat litter and other scents. However, when you want to get rid of mice or rats, you must take certain precautions around your home. This includes keeping food in air-tight containers and effectively closing any holes that small animals can crawl through.
When trying to figure out how to get rid of mice in your home, you may discover that you need additional assistance. In this case, hiring a professional might be your best option. Read the sections below to learn about the numerous strategies available to rid your home of rats or mice.
How to Eliminate Entry Points for Rodent Control
If you are attempting rodent control on your own, you must first cover several important bases. Before you can begin hunting mice in your home, you must eliminate their entry points. Mice are able to squeeze through holes, cracks and openings as small as dimes. Thus, it is essential to seal their points of entry from the outside.
Getting a handle on your rat infestation involves identifying these common entry points. They are often located near vents and utility pipelines on the walls of houses. Additionally, rodents can gnaw and claw through wood, plastic, rubber and other materials that are used as sealants. Thus, when sealing holes and cracks, you should use concrete or steel wool.
Eliminating points of entry also involves making your home less welcoming to rodents. When figuring out how to get rid of mice, understand that both mice and rats will sniff out crumbs of food, open containers and pet food inside the home. As a result, it is important to live in a cleaner space by:
- Cleaning dishes and utensils after use.
- Storing food in air-tight containers.
- Not leaving pet food out and unsealed overnight.
- Using trash cans that are rodent-proof.
In addition, a pest control tactic that can help decrease the chance of rodents entering your house is to reduce the amount of vegetation around your home, especially within several feet of your home. Weeds, grass and trees are a source of food for these small animals. Since rats and mice have easier access to the interior when foliage is touching the walls of your home, consider some landscaping by professionals or yourself.
How to Get Rid of Mice With Traps and Bait
If you have been searching for how to get rid of mice and rats, you likely came across bait and trap suggestions. Numerous options are available for each and they can be installed without professional assistance. Read about the ones you can choose from below to determine which option best suits your goals and needs.
Bait and traps usually go hand-in-hand when trying to get rid of a rat infestation. Bait is typically used to lure rodents to a trap. Either food or nest-building materials can be utilized as bait. Chocolate, dog food and peanut butter are effective baiting foods whereas cotton, newspaper and dental floss can be used as nesting bait.
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Some traps kill mice. Many residents prefer these types of traps in order to get peace of mind that the rodent is truly gone. However, other traps are available that do not kill mice. With this method, you will have to release the captured creature at least one mile from your home to reduce the likelihood of it returning.
Moreover, to get rid of rats you must place bait and traps in strategic locations. Rodents usually travel within and along walls. As a result, the best spots to place for traps and bait are at right angles of walls, especially where there is evidence of activity. Furthermore, closets, cabinets, areas behind furniture and other enclosed locations are common areas of mouse activity. Thus, it can be helpful to lay traps there to increase rodent control.
How to Contact a Professional Rat Exterminator
Contacting a professional mouse or rat exterminator may be a better option than attempting to get rid of rodents on your own. Various companies offer pest controlling services at different prices. Orkin is one popular pest extermination company that you can contact.
There are several benefits to calling an exterminator to get rid of mice for you. First, exterminators are experts in determining how to get rid of rats. They can create an efficient and effective plan for your home specifically. They know how to identify points of entry, can recognize rodent habits and know the best places to lay traps.
Additionally, a professional exterminator knows what kills rats instantly and how to use poisonous products safely. This way, neither you nor members of your family will have to handle dangerous chemicals, smells or tools. Thus, your pets and children can remain safe.
Moreover, hiring a professional can result in more bang for your buck. This is because they are able to not only get rid of rodents but implement preventative measures to reduce the chances of mice or rats returning. If you are a renter, then the landlord may be responsible for paying for a professional or risk breaking the rental lease.
How to Get Rid of Mice Naturally
You might not be comfortable or feel safe using chemicals or traps to get rid of rodents. Luckily, there are humane and natural ways to get rid of a rat infestation. If you are trying to determine how to get rid of mice naturally, read the sections below.
Learn About the Best Mouse Repellent Smells
One natural solution to getting rid of mice is to spray scents that are unpleasant to them. Fortunately, these scents are not toxic to humans and many find them to be pleasing. Thus, this technique is a good solution if you are looking for the best way to get rid of rats and other rodents naturally.
Many residents use peppermint oil to get rid of mice. Additionally, these pests are said to be averse to mint, cloves, pepper and cayenne pepper. You can soak cotton balls with these scents and leave them in areas like corners and under beds. Moreover, if you own a cat, placing its litter box near your home entrance and ward off rodents as they will smell the urine.
Learn About Mouse Repellent Sounds
Certain sounds may be able to repel mice. Particular high-pitched beeping sounds are effective at keeping these pests away. This mouse repellent sound is said to be irritating to rodents but inaudible to humans. Thus, they are not likely to bother you or your family members or neighbors while repelling rats from your home.
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