Rodents Control
Rodents can transmit disease to humans, pets, and livestock. They have been found to transmit typhus, leptospirosis, trichinosis, and salmonellosis. The presence of mice and rats is usually detected by the damage they cause to food and structures, by their droppings, and by their nests. Treatment involves eliminating all entry points and population reduction by the application of rodenticides and traps.
Signs of Rodents Activity
The most common signs of a rat infestation in your home are:
- Stripped bark from plants and trees
- Piles of cut snail shells hidden under plants or piles of wood
- Sounds in the attic, floor, and walls
- Rat droppings in garages, storage buildings or other sheltered areas
- Rub marks caused by greasy rat fur
- Damaged food containers
- Damaged food
- Signs of gnawing
Information plays a key role in treating for rats or mice. Please be prepared to provide the technician with the following information:
- Where have you physically seen rodent activity?
- Have you noticed what appear to be any rodent droppings or urine stains? If so, where?
- Have you noticed any damage to furniture or other household items that would appear to be caused by biting or chewing? If so, please identify the damaged areas.
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Have you heard noises in the walls or ceiling that sound like scampering? chewing? Please be prepared to identify these locations and the frequency and extent of activity.
- How long have you noticed the problem?
- Do you have small children in the home? pets?
Rodent-proof your home and storage buildings
- Check the outside of your house for holes or gaps the size of a quarter or larger
- Repair all openings using rodent proof materials:1/4 inch 18-22 gauge wire hardware cloth
- Install metal weather stripping under doors to remove gaps.
- Keep garbage cans covered at all times
- Pick fruit, nuts and vegetables as they ripen, and throw away or compost fallen fruit on the ground
- Feed pets during daylight hours only, and remove uneaten food right away
- Avoid storing food in garages and storage sheds at night unless in rat-proof covered metal containers
- Remove all trash and debris
- Stack woodpiles, lumber and household items at least 18 inches above the ground, 12 inches away from fences and walls
- Trim trees, bushes and vines to at least 4 feet away from the roof
- Remove heavy vegetation such as ivy, bougainvillea and pyracantha away from buildings and fences
- Thin vegetation to allow daylight in and remove rat hiding places
