Did you know that rats can squeeze through an opening as small as a quarter, while the average mouse will fit inside a hole half the size of a quarter? In 2021 alone, about 14.8 households in America saw mice or rats scampering on their property.

Rats and mice do more than cause a mess by digging through your pantry and contaminating food, water, and handlers. They also spread diseases that are worse than food poisoning. If you think you have rats on your property, you’ve got to eliminate the problem to maintain a safe environment for your family and pets.

Read on for more tips on removing mice and rats in your house.

Common Signs of Rodent Infestation

The presence of rats and mice in your home can be unsettling, especially if they go ignored. Identifying the signs of rat and mouse infestation as early as possible is essential to address the issue adequately. It is crucial to keep an eye out for droppings, rub marks, nesting materials, and gnaw marks, which can indicate a rat or mouse presence.

Additionally, you should be alert to unusual scratching, shuffling, or noises that may come from behind the walls and visibly see the rats or mice themselves. It is also essential to look for footprints around the house and where food is stored or present. 

Prevention Measures for Rats and Mice Infestations

Homeowners can take a few steps to address a rat or mouse infestation. Fill any cracks and holes in the home’s exterior to prevent access from outside. Remove any potential food sources, and clean up messes that may attract rodents, like food scraps and pet food.

Reduce or eliminate possible entry points for these rodents. Keeping your home clean, sealing off all entry points, and using non-toxic traps are suitable methods to eliminate other types of pests lurking in your home.

Additionally, there are several natural remedies and humane methods that you can use to help keep rats and mice away. Some popular treatments include peppermint oil and other strong scents. Additionally, block any existing or potential entry points with steel wool and caulk.

You can also make a mixture of pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder around the areas of activity and forced entry points to ward off rodents. Finally, setting live catch traps with bait such as peanut butter, oats, or sunflower seeds.

Clean-up and Restoration After an Infestation

Homeowners should also be aware of the sound of scampering in walls and the musky odor from the attic pests. Cleanup and restoration are necessary and costly parts of treating an infestation.

Hire a professional exterminator who can help on identifying pests present on your property and address the problem. They will identify points of entry, prevent future infestations, and advise on cleaning up and removing pests, including any dead or decomposing rodent material. You should immediately contact this pest control company to help with your unwanted guests and avoid dealing with recurring infestations in the long run.

Deal With Rats and Mice the Right Way to Safeguard Your Home

An infestation of rats or mice can cause immense damage to your property and become a hazard to your health and hygiene. Although dealing with an infestation on your own can seem daunting, knowing how to deal with rats and mice is crucial. Take the necessary steps to identify, prevent, and manage a rodent infestation, and remember to call a professional if the infestation persists. 

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