How to Deal with a Rodent Infestation

 

One of the last things people want to hear is that they’re dealing with a rodent infestation. Having these small intruders inside the house could end up causing massive damage to your property, not to mention sanitation and health issues. You need to address the situation quickly if you don’t want the situation to get out of hand. Let’s take a look at how to deal with a rodent infestation.

Clean Unattended Spaces

Rodents love areas that are left unattended. They tend to seek refuge in areas that are quiet and dark, like the attic for instance. If you have an unfinished attic that was neglected, we suggest you contact Attic Projects Company's cleaning and insulation services. The professionals from this company will be able to see if this is where the infestation is coming from, and will be able to help get rid of them. They’ll also be able to clean and sanitize the area and replace any insulation that might’ve been damaged.

Act Fast

The next thing you have to do is start strong and fast. Rodents are furious breeders, and if you don’t act quickly, you will end up with a massive problem on your hands.

When setting traps, it’s very important that you place plenty of them around areas where you’ve noticed rodent activity. You also want to plug any visible holes that could lead inside the house, like around pipes for instance. Use copper wool to block these holes as rodents won’t be able to chew them out. Also, don’t make the mistake of putting too much bait on traps as it could allow rodents to eat it without setting the trap off.

Choose the Proper Bait

Speaking of bait, don’t use things like cheese. That’s a Hollywood myth. Rodents will react to things like lunch meat or peanut butter much better than cheese which they might discard altogether. Also, don’t just put the bait on the trigger. Tie it down with a piece of dental floss or fishing line. This will prevent them from leaving with the bait without getting caught.

Place the Mouse Traps Correctly

The way you place the traps will also make a difference. Mice and other rodents like to scurry up walls, so if you’re using glue traps, place them parallel to the wall. If you’re using traditional traps, however, you want the trap to be perpendicular to the wall with the bait against the baseboard. This way, rodents will run straight into it.

Consider Getting a Pet

Having a pet in the house is not a bad idea either. While cats are usually the top choice, know that these are opportunistic hunters and they may not always have the drive. Dogs can be great for the job as well, as many were originally bred for hunting. Terriers, in particular, make great mousers, so you should consider the option.

Conclusion

These are all ways that you can deal with a rodent infestation. Even if you do some things on your own, make sure to call in specialists as soon as you can before things degenerate.