Hallelujah, it’s officially autumn in Texas! ‘Tis the season of pumpkin spice and… rodents. Wait. What?? Yes, that’s right. It’s time to start planning and preparing for those mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, and opossums looking for warmth and shelter. As temperatures begin to cool down and the leaves start to fall, you can be sure that rodents will be looking for somewhere warm to nest.
Rodents bring destruction and chaos
In addition to the diseases they spread, rodents can wreak havoc on your property. They will chew on almost anything to build their nests. Wood, cloth, insulation, paper, fabric, drywall, and even the insulation around wiring, none of it is safe. Rodents cause structural instability, cosmetic damage, fire, and destruction of irreplaceable valuables.
How are Rodents getting in?
Rodents are resourceful and persistent creatures. Did you know a mouse can squeeze through an opening as small as ½ inch? They can easily chew through many surfaces to make a small hole large enough to sneak through. Rats are excellent swimmers. They can swim through sewer lines and wind up in your toilet bowl. Check out what Eric, our branch manager, had to say about rodents and how they got in:
“The most unexpected place I’ve found rodents in a home was when there were squirrels under a customer’s toilet. They came in through the plumbing vent on the roof. I had to get them out, and then I sealed off the roof vent.” Eric went on to say, “we offer ‘Critter Quitter’ vent covers to protect vent openings from rodents and add additional protection from roof leaks.”
How to protect against rodents
What can you do as a homeowner or business owner to help protect your property? First and foremost, seal up any crack, hole, or opening that may present an entry point for rodents. Use caulk, wire mesh, or “Critter Quitters” to protect your property. Creatures need a source of food. While mice, rats, and squirrels prefer nuts and fruits, they will also snack on plants, pet food, and vegetables in the garden. Get rid of fallen pecans. Keep gutters clean and free of tree droppings. Trim shrubbery away from your home. Cut tree limbs that overhang your roofline. Keep pet food tightly sealed in containers. Water sources include bird baths, leaky pipes, water bowls, irrigation systems, and air conditioning drip lines. Do your best to eliminate any source of water.
Signs of a rodent infestation
How do you know for sure if there is an infestation? Check out some of the telltale signs below:
Sounds – Because these creatures are most active at night, you may hear scurrying, gnawing, or scratching sounds in your walls or attic.- Droppings – While mouse droppings are typically small in size (1/8” – 1/4” or so), rat droppings can be much larger at three times the size.
- Damage – Are you seeing small holes chewed through drywall or wood around the home? Did you come across chewed wires? This is a possible indication that rodents have taken up shop.
- Smudges along baseboards – Dirt and grease on the bodies of mice & rats will often leave dirty smudge marks along walls and corners.
- Odors – If a rodent has made its nest in your home, you are likely to start smelling urine odors in the area they are nesting.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs of rodents on your property, 855Bugs can help! We employ a variety of different methods to rid your home of these pests. From baiting to live trapping, from under toilets to rooftops, 855Bugs will help you remove all unwanted rodents!
