Rodents like mice and rats frequently invade homes while searching for food, water, or shelter. Once these dangerous pests find their way inside, getting them out can be incredibly challenging. Whether you are currently dealing with a rodent problem or looking to prevent one, this article is for you.
We'll review the signs of rodents to keep an eye out for so you can detect a problem sooner. We'll also go over the risks these pests pose to your family and home and provide proactive steps you can take to rodent-proof your house. Continue reading to learn how to achieve effective rodent control in Mobile with the pros from Ensec of Alabama.
Signs Of Rodent Activity: How To Detect A Problem Early
The first signs of rodents in Mobile usually appear before you see a mouse or rat. These sneaky critters are comfortable sharing your food and home but avoid contact with people as much as possible. The following list describes the signs of rats and mice to watch for in your home:
- Droppings: Rat droppings are capsule-shaped, between 1/2 and 3/4" of an inch long; mouse droppings are rod-shaped, between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch long.
- Gnaw marks: These may be rough or smooth, often on baseboards, in cabinets, and other wood elements.
- Footprints: Mouse footprints are less than 3/8 of an inch long, and rat footprints are around 1 inch long, often with tail drag marks between them.
- Odor: A strong ammonia-like odor can indicate rodents.
- Damaged goods: Check for holes or chew marks on food packages in the pantry.
It is time to take action if you notice any of these signs. The longer rodents are in your home, the worse the problem will get. Contact us today at Ensec for help getting rid of these dangerous pests and preventing future infestations.
The Rodent Menace: Understanding The Threat Of Uninvited Guests
Having any pest in your home is stressful and unnerving, but rodents are among the worst. These animals endanger your family's health and well-being and your home's structure. They also damage your belongings, gnawing on furniture and ripping through upholstery to gather nesting materials.
Mice and rats spread diseases, including rat-bite fever, jaundice, hantavirus, and cowpox virus through direct contact with the pests or their waste. Rodents contaminate your food and surfaces with bacteria, causing potential food poisoning and expensive food waste. Rodent droppings and urine can also cause allergy symptoms and asthma attacks.
Rodents in the walls can cause severe damage as well. These pests contaminate insulation, can chew on wires, creating a fire hazard, and rats can gnaw through plastic and lead pipes. Contact us today at Ensec for help getting rid of rodents fast and protecting your family from their risks.
Rodent-Proof Your Home: Essential Steps To Keep Unwanted Guests Away
After we eliminate your rodent infestation, we suggest taking steps to ensure they don't return. Rodent prevention can take some effort, but avoiding another encounter with these risky pests is well worth it. Here are some tips to help rodent-proof your house:
- Seal any holes on the exterior of your home larger than a dime and wider than a pencil.
- Replace loose mortar or weatherstripping around the basement foundation and windows.
- Check for gaps around utility pipes and cables and close them off using steel wool.
- Keep shrubs and tree branches trimmed back away from the house.
- Store trash in thick plastic or metal receptacles with tight lids.
- Keep firewood and debris piles at least 20 feet away from the house.
Inside your home, you'll want to store food in glass or plastic pest-proof containers, keep eating areas clean, and repair any moisture issues. Contact us at Ensec for help getting rid of rodents and preventing another infestation.
Professional Rodent Control: Why Expertise Matters
If you have been trying to get rid of rodents using store-bought products, you already know how difficult it is to evict these pests. Working with a professional home pest control company in Mobile that offers rodent control near you is the simplest and most effective way to clear rats and mice out of your home.
The experts at Ensec have the knowledge and experience to determine how rodents are getting into your house and the best way to get them out. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and reclaim your home from these dangerous pests.