Knowing pests have invaded your home is scary, but if there is one problem you need to worry more about, it has to be rodents. Centralia is home to many rodent species, but the most common ones are rats and mice. These unwanted guests can cause numerous health problems and carry other pests, such as fleas and ticks. Also, people in the US spend thousands of dollars on repairs caused by rodents. Because their teeth continue to grow, rats and mice will chew almost anything. View site to learn more about rodent problems in Centralia, but for your assistance, here are some rodent prevention tips.
Prevention is better than extermination
Talk to any pest control service, and they will tell you that preventing pests is better than extermination. Your goal should be to stop infestations in the first place. Typical species found in Centralia include roof rats, house mice, and Norway rats. While rodents are active throughout the year, you are more likely to see an increase in activity during fall and winter. Rats and mice look for warmth, food sources, and shelter as temperatures drop.
Seal All Entry Points
Exterminators recommend that you seal entry points through which rodents enter your home. You will be surprised to know that rats and mice can pass through the smallest of gaps, crevices, and holes. Spend a weekend trying to find such entry points, especially around walls and foundations. Also, check the window nets to see if there are gaps. You can seal the entry points using metal flashing and steel wool. A quick note here: If you already suspect an infestation, don’t seal the points, as the situation will get worse indoors.
Eliminate Food and Water Sources
Always store your supplies and groceries in airtight containers. You should clean up immediately after a spill. Crumbs and food materials on the counters can also invite other species, such as ants and roaches. Note that pet food is often ignored. Once your pets are done eating, remove their bowl, especially at night. Also, fix all sources of moisture, such as leaky pipes and faulty faucets. Get the gutters checked by an expert.
Maintain a Clean and Clutter-Free Yard
First and foremost, trim vegetation around the house. Rodents love to hide until there is enough scope to get inside, and shrubs and bushes offer the perfect cover. Keep wooden piles and firewood away from the main house, and clean the yard often, removing debris and fallen leaves. Landscaping is a hard task, and if you lack the time, get a professional service every other month.
Regular Inspection and Monitoring
The best way to keep rodents away is to team up with a local pest control service. The exterminators and technicians can check the property every two or three months to find early signs of rodents. They will also set traps and bait stations, as required, to monitor activity. If they find an infestation, they will take immediate remediation steps, followed by exclusion measures and other things.
Call a pest control service in Centralia!
As a customer, consider spending some time to select a reliable and renowned pest control service. The company has to be licensed and insured, but what matters as much is how they deal with rodents. Today, top services don’t use chemicals and pesticides randomly. Instead, the technicians try to go the non-toxic way, where they don’t focus on elimination but removal. You can avoid the common risks associated with rodenticides and other products. Once you choose a pest control company in Centralia, ask for a written contract and estimate to ensure all expenses are covered. A warranty on remediation is a good indicator of their professionalism.
