Rodents are natural survivors. They breed quickly, they can adapt to almost any environment, and they’re shockingly resilient for such small critters. Unfortunately, the same traits that have allowed mice and rats to become among the most prolific animals on the planet have also made them a major nuisance for homeowners everywhere. Rodents never seem to have much trouble getting into our homes and they can become quite the menace when they do settle under your roof.
Rats and mice can both be very destructive in a home environment, gnawing away at everything from insulation to wiring to fabric. They’re also known to spread quite a few diseases. If you want to prevent rodent issues in your home in Wisconsin, follow this helpful guide.
Keeping Mice & Rats Out of Your Home
You may wonder why rodents are so determined to get into our homes, especially since we’re equally determined to keep them out. Mice and rats are driven by the same basic needs as all animals; they need to eat and drink, and they need a safe, warm place to live and raise their young. Our houses satisfy all of these needs, which is why mice and rats are such a common presence in homes in Wisconsin. So, how do you keep them out?
The first step is to reduce the number of rodent attractants on your property. In many cases, mice and rats decide to start living in a home after discovering an abundance of food that they can easily get to. Whether this is food waste in an unsecured garbage can, a pet food bowl or bird feeder on the porch, or table scraps left in the sink or on the counter overnight, any readily accessible food can make rodents rely on your home in Wisconsin for sustenance. You can prevent this from happening by being proactive about disposing of food waste promptly, keeping your kitchen clean, and placing tight lids on outdoor garbage bins.
There are also measures you can take to make it more difficult for rodents to access your home. While it’s true that rats and, especially, mice can slip through incredibly small holes, they can’t just pass through solid walls. If you find any holes or cracks in your siding, foundation or roof, seal them up! Otherwise, they will become doorways through which rodents can walk right into your house. Sometimes, mice or rats even crawl in through the openings around vents. You can prevent this, too, by installing a mesh barrier over exterior vents. This isn’t an infallible deterrent; a persistent rodent can still chew through over time, but at least you’ll know something is trying to get in.
If you suspect a rodent presence in your home in Wisconsin, try setting traps in areas where rodents might live or travel, such as the garage, basement and outdoor sheds. Note that because rats are much larger and stronger than mice, mouse traps won’t prove effective against a rat infestation. For small-scale rodent infestations, traps can be a great tool for eliminating the offending pests in a short time. However, against larger infestations, they’re unlikely to achieve a full extermination.
For the most successful rodent control, you should always contact a local pest control company in Wisconsin. Pest control technicians are licensed and specially trained to effectively and humanely remove rodent infestations in residential settings. Working with a mix of traps, bait stations, pesticides, and other techniques, your pest control provider can put an end to a rodent infestation and prevent future rodent issues in your home.
Effective Rodent Control in Wisconsin
Do you need professional rodent control and prevention services for your home? Get in touch with Pest Badger today so our technicians can start solving your issues with rats and mice ASAP!
