We’re well into September so residents of Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut like Enfield, Springfield, and Holyoke may see signs of rodents infiltrating their homes. You may even see one scurry along a baseboard late in the evening. There are many signs, some obvious and some not, of a rodent infestation. Use our tips to identify mice and rats infestation signs while reducing rodents’ likelihood of entering.
Know the Signs Rodents Leave Behind
The single-most common sign of a rodent infestation is the waste pellets they leave behind. Mice are capable of dropping up to 25,000 fecal pellets each year, an estimated 70 times each day. Intruding rodents will avoid homeowners and largely forage at night when humans are asleep. You may not actually see any rodents even if there is a large infestation because of this.
Aside from droppings, rodents can leave their mark on your pantry in the form of mysterious holes in food packaging. They can very easily chew through the cardboard box keeping your crackers neatly organized. Rodents use their chewing capabilities to do much more than chew food. Mice and rats can burrow through insulation, drywall, and even wires. The damage can range from mild to severe because of this!
The last sign of an infestation is perhaps the most unnerving. As noted previously, rodents tend to be more active at night. Imagine laying in bed, late in the evening, and hearing scratching and skittering in the walls. You may even hear the noises in the ceiling as they traverse the gaps around rafters or floorboards. If you can actively hear the rodents, the infestation may be severe.
Keep them From Getting in the First Place
The best solution for reducing rodent infestation is to prevent them from being able to access your home. Thoroughly inspect the exterior of your foundation for cracks, gaps, and holes. Use concrete patch or latex caulk to seal any openings. Not only will this help prevent rodents from accessing your home this way, but it’ll also reduce the moisture the attracts other pests.
Inspect your gutters and downspouts for instability and places rodents can enter your home. Gutter guards can prevent mice and rats from gaining access to your attic and crawlspaces. The same goes for trees and bushes close to or touching your home. Cut tree branches that come close to the house to remove additional entry points. Mice and rats have great climbing and jumping abilities!
Get Rid of Them for Good
There are plenty of over-the-counter traps, poison, and repellants you can buy. No solution will be as safe and successful as bringing in a pest professional who specializes in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM methods provide long-term prevention so an infestation is far less likely to reoccur.
The team at Graduate Pest Solutions has practiced IPM for many years. Call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us with any questions or if you are experiencing a pest problem. We have the knowledge and the services necessary to help keep your home pest-free!
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