Do you own or rent a home and are worried about rodent infestations this fall or winter? Rodents can be a big problem for homeowners, causing issues in both health and in the integrity of the home—not to mention that rats and mice are simply not the type of roommates you’d choose to live with! If you are concerned with preventing rodents during any season, it usually pays to work with a professional who offers rodent control Augusta, GA. However, there are also some tips that will help you prevent them on your own.
Here are some tips for preventing rodents in Augusta homes.
Common Types of Rodents in Augusta
The two most common types of rodents in Augusta that pose a problem to homeowners and renters are rats and mice. Mice like to nest in homes during cooler months and usually choose areas like appliances, furniture, walls, and closets where they will not be disturbed. You’ll also likely find evidence of mice in your kitchen or pantry as they like to eat human food.
Rats prefer to nest in warm, dark areas and can—and will—venture further from their nests than mice. In Augusta, both Norway rats and roof rats are common. While Norway rats enjoy nests and tunnels, roof rats prefer higher places for their nests.
See also: Roof Inspections: Why They Are Essential for Homeowners
Damages Rodents Can Cause
The problems that rodent infestations cause are nearly endless. If you don’t have good rodent control Augusta, GA, you could experience structural problems as their gnawing and nest-building behaviors can damage your home. They may also contaminate food, spread illness or disease, cause odors, and do damage to your electrical systems.
Tips for Preventing Infestations
Now that you know what problems rodents can cause, you probably want to do your best to prevent them. Here are some top tips:
- Make sure doors and windows are sealed so rodents cannot enter your home. You can do this by installing door sweeps, making sure your windows have screens, and sealing other openings with wire mesh or steel wool.
- Eliminate any attractions. Both rats and mice are attracted to food, so make sure all your food items are sealed and put securely away. Keep in mind that pet food is also fair game for rodents, so keep your pet food—including cat and dog food and birdseed—sealed and in a secure location.
- Limit their nesting options. Debris such as leaf piles, wood, and cardboard are perfect for rodent nests, so try to keep these items away from your home’s exterior.
- Use mouse traps. If you think you already have mice in your home, you can set up traps perpendicular to the walls. Traps can help get rid of a current mouse problem, but don’t waste money on repellants such as moth balls, peppermint oil, or ammonia as they rarely work.
Partnering with a Company That Does Rodent Control August, GA
If your prevention methods aren’t working, it’s time to call a company that specializes in rodent control Augusta, GA. A professional exterminator can identify where rodents are getting in, eliminate the infestation, and give you tips on preventing further rodent issues.
