Rats, mice, and other rodents are unwelcome visitors that can contaminate food, spread disease, and do damage to your home and property. Along the Sunshine Coast, we have our fair share of rodents. The two most common rats in the area are the black rat (Rattus rattus) and the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). We also have two species of mice that regularly cause problems for homeowners, the common house mouse (Mus musculus) and the field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus). Learning how to prevent these rodents from entering your home will save you time, stress, and money in the long run.
Dangers Posed by Rodents
Rodents are known to carry and transmit many diseases. These diseases can be transmitted directly through bites, scratches, feces, and urine or indirectly by means of vectors like mites, fleas, and ticks. Just a few of the diseases that rodents can transmit are: leptospirosis, hantavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, and plague.
Aside from spreading disease, rodents can also cause major property damage. The teeth of rodents continue to grow throughout their lives, so they are constantly gnawing on things to keep them short. When inside a house, they may start to chew on wood, insulation, cardboard, and electrical wiring. This not only costs money to repair, but can also cause fire hazards. Getting a top pest control company is in your best interest for taking care of and preventing rodents.
Preventing Rodents
Rodents are constantly in search of food, water, and shelter. By eliminating access to these things, you can greatly decrease the likelihood that you will have rodent problems. There are many things that you can do now to prevent rodents from entering your home.
Seal the Exterior of Your Home
Rodents can squeeze through remarkably small holes, so it is important that you carefully inspect the outside of your home. Using caulk or expandable spray foam, seal any cracks or gaps you may see. Pay special attention to holes where pipes or electrical wiring enter the home. Also check windows and doors to ensure that they close tightly and that the screens are present and in good working order.
Eliminate Excess Moisture
Rodents need water to survive, so they are attracted to moist places. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets you may have, both outdoors and indoors, and unclog drains. You should also consider a dehumidifier or fan to help with especially humid conditions.
Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy
A clean home goes a long way toward preventing rodent infestations. While it is impossible to maintain a perfectly clean home at all times, there are some key things that will help. Empty your rubbish bins frequently and keep lids on outdoor bins. Vacuum and sweep regularly to remove crumbs from the floor. Wipe counters after meals and do not leave dishes in the sink overnight. It is also a good idea to declutter as much as possible and eliminate piles of papers and boxes.
Store Food Properly
When you have excess food in the home, it is important to store it properly. This might include refrigeration or using airtight food storage containers. Cardboard boxes can be chewed through, so hard plastic or metal containers are better options.
Hire a Professional Exterminator
Sometimes even the best prevention efforts may not be enough. Rodents are sneaky and can find their way into almost any home. The professional technicians at Radar Pest Control can help you eliminate your rodent troubles. We will inspect your property and work with you to determine the best method of treatment for your situation. For Sunshine Coast rodent control, try the Radar Pest Control difference. We want to keep your family safe and pest free.