The Hidden Dangers of Rodent Infestations in Residential Homes

Have you ever heard little noises coming from the attic? Or notice tiny bite marks around your pantry area? If so, it might be time to check for rodent infestations. 

As a homeowner, it can be quite disconcerting when you suspect wildlife roaming free near your family. If you are not familiar with rodents, it can be even more difficult to figure out a way to get rid of them. This is a common problem for many Georgia residents as there are so many houses built around wooded areas. Luckily, Lookout Pest Control, formerly Any Pest Inc., is here to help. Let’s discuss a few tips on how to treat rodent infestations in your residential home.

Signs of Rodent Infestations

Rodents, like mice and rats, are highly destructive wildlife pests that can spread diseases, contaminate food and destroy property. In any case you suspect that you might have a rodent infestation, or are just curious about what to look for, here are a few signs:

Droppings–rodent droppings can be found around food packages, in drawers, cabinets or under sinks.

Smells–rodents give off a very specific smell of musky ammonia. Although it might not be the first thing on your mind, it may be possible to determine your rodent problem easily by simply paying attention to the scent of your home. 

Bite Marks–rodents usually leave signs of chewing on food packages. Once they make their way inside, their next step is food. You may also be able to spot holes that are chewed through walls and floors, pointing toward entryways.

Shelter–rodents tend to nest in leftover materials. In fact, shredded paper, old fabric, cardboard, or dried plant matter are some of the most common nesting materials used by rodents.

Tips to Prevent Rodents 

There are many ways you can prevent rodents from making their way into your home–Here are some tips prompted by the CDC on Rodent Proofing your home:

Inside Your Home

• Rodent-proof containers are made of hard plastic, thick glass or metal, making it hard for them to chew through. Be sure to keep food and water stored in quality containers that have tight-fitting lids.
• Dispose of your garbage on a regular basis. If you are storing trash in your home, be sure to use a rodent-proof container that stays sealed.
• Try to stay on top of your dishes–wash them immediately after use!
• Keep clean. Always tidy up after a messy meal, and take extra precautions if you notice stray droppings. Use a 1:10 chlorine solution until the area is soaked thoroughly. Let it soak on the area for at least 5 minutes. 
• Rats can enter your home through holes the size of a quarter, and mice can enter through a hole the size of a dime. Seal all gaps and holes that are greater than ¼ inch with any kind of cement, heavy-duty caulk, expanding foam or steel wool. 

Outside Your Home

• Keep an eye out for nesting sites. Sitting trash, abandoned vehicles, discarded decor, or even woodpiles are prime nesting places for rodents. If you are unable to get rid of something in your yard or outside area–store it 12 inches above the ground and as far away from the home as possible.
• No more putting off the lawn! Keep your grass cut short, remove brush and trim dense shrubbery that may provide rodents all kinds of cover and protection. 
• If you need to store food outside, such as grain or compost, be sure to do so in rodent-proof containers with tight-fitting lids away from your home.

The Lookout Pest Control Method

If rodents seem to be a persistent problem in your home, it’s time to contact a professional pest control company for help. A wildlife infestation is just as unappealing and stressful as an insect infestation, but there’s an increased risk of property damage, potential injury, and diseases. In addition to the vast amount of damage they can cause, rodents and other wildlife can carry more diseases than most insects.

Our wildlife control team is composed of wildlife control experts fully licensed and permitted (State of Georgia Department of Natural Resources) in live trapping, humane animal removal, and relocation. Furthermore, here is what to expect from Lookout Pest Control Wildlife Control Services:

• A thorough inspection of your home or business property for damage.
• The location of pest and wildlife entry points–how they got in.
• Setup of live cage traps or the installation of excluders (one-way doors).
• Professional and humane removal and relocation of wildlife/pests.

Need Help With Rodent Infestations? Call Us Today!

It is important to hire professional pest control experts to locate and properly remove rodents from your home. The above tips are helpful, but if you suspect that there are already rodents in your home, you probably need the help of professionals. Besides, it may be dangerous or inefficient to try to deal with the problem on your own, and you may end up creating more of a mess than you had in the first place.

Lookout Pest Control has been providing rodent control in the metro-Atlanta area for over three decades. We have the skills, experience, knowledge, and equipment needed to remove all critters from your home so that you and your family can rest easy. In fact, we have been protecting residential and commercial properties in Georgia from unwanted wildlife for 35 years! Our team offers a humane and responsible answer to your rodent and animal control problems. If you think you are having a problem with rodents, call us today for a free estimate.