It’s another chilly January night. You and your family are snuggled up inside, sequestered away from the icy breeze on the other side of your door. However cozy you’re feeling with your blanket and slippers, chances are there’s a mouse or rat nestled somewhere that is just as happy to have escaped the winter chill. The only difference is rodents reside in your attic, behind loose baseboards, and inside your walls. A National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences study reveals that 82 percent of U.S. homes were found to have mouse allergens. That means the chances of you dealing with unwanted, furry guests this winter are at an all-time high. DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control takes rodent control seriously, because mice and rats are notorious carriers of disease and allergens. Read on for tips to defend your home against rodents this summer.
Why is Metairie Rodent Control Necessary for Your Home?
Apart from the fact that a majority of United States homes already have a rodent problem, rodent control is important for the health and safety of you and your family. There is a myriad of health hazards that accompanies a rodent infestation. The three biggest problems are health, home, and comfort.
· Rodent Health Hazards. In addition to being known to spread more than 35 diseases, mice and rats also create serious allergens. Rodents spread disease through their feces, urine, and saliva. In rare cases, they will even bite when they feel threatened. It is most important to note that if you have mice, they have likely already spread germs all over your house. If you find signs of mice, wear protective gear, such as gloves, and spray the area with disinfectant.
· Rodent Home Damage. It would be one thing if rats and mice could sign a lease and agree to be respectful of your property. Unfortunately, while rodents reside in your home, they will take advantage of all of the comforts you have to offer. In shorts, they will chew on everything. Mice have front incisors that never stop growing. They must constantly gnaw and chew to file their teeth down. They will chew on anything, including electrical wiring, furniture, paper, cardboard boxes, and other materials.
· Signs of Rodents. Rodents are not subtle guests. You can smell a rodent infestation from a mile away. Mice and rats will leave droppings, leave teeth and track marks, and create a foul-smelling odor in your home. DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control will be able to tell you if those signs of rodents are old or new. If they’re new, DIAL ONE will get you started on an effective pest control plan to protect your home.
How to Protect Your Home from Mice and Rats
Rodents love humans, because we provide all of the survival materials they require to have a comfortable winter. Once they infiltrate a human home, rodents basically have unlimited access to water, food, and shelter. The first step towards preventing a mouse and rat infestation is to rodent-proof your home. The following are a few things you can do to keep rodents outside.
1. Protect Your Food. Hiding food sources is one of the most important ways for homeowners to prevent rodent activity. This effort extends beyond the kitchen. Mice and rats will find anywhere on your property to feast. Make sure your garbage cans are completely covered and keep up with picking ripe fruit that grows on your property. Whenever you put your food away, make sure to store it in rodent-proof containers.
2. Check Your Home for Openings. Rats and mice can fit into incredibly small nooks and crannies, so the process of rodent-proofing your house can involve a lot of attention to detail. Keep an eye out for cracks in your foundation, damaged windows, and holes in your property’s exterior. You can seal these holes up with materials such as steel wool, caulk, plaster, and cement.
3. Trim Your Foliage. Rats and mice can also gain entry to your home through the roof. Trimming branches away from your roof and windows can help prevent mice from entering. Additionally, clearing dead branches and foliage eliminates places for rodents to hide in your yard. Pro Tip: If you have firewood or lumber, remember to store it at least a foot above ground and a foot away from your home.
Immediate Rodent Control with DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control
DIAL ONE Franklynn offers effective rodent control in Metairie and the Greater New Orleans area. If you’ve seen signs of unexpected guests this winter, call the professionals at DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control! We’ll get your home back to normal in no time. Call 504-885-3101 or visit DialOnePestControl.com.
