Winter temperatures increase the chances of certain pests invading homes, and rodents are among the most common. These pests prefer temperatures over 55 degrees, and when they drop, rodents start searching for a warm, comfortable place to spend the season. No one wants to deal with uninvited guests at this time of year, especially hazardous four-legged ones.
This article will explain how to identify the most common rodents infiltrating local homes and describe their risks to your family’s health and property. We’ll also provide simple exclusion tips to help you prevent them from getting inside in the first place. Read on to learn more about effective rodent control in Mobile with the experts from Ensec.
How To Identify Common Types Of Rodents In Mobile
The most common types of rodents that cause problems for Mobile homeowners are house mice, Norway rats, and roof rats. The following list will describe each of these rodents to help you identify which one is the culprit:
- House mice have round, dusty gray bodies between 2 1/2 and 3 3/4 inches long with large ears and a pointed muzzle.
- Norway rats have stocky bodies covered in coarse brown fur between 7/12 and 9 inches long, small eyes and ears, and a blunt muzzle.
- Roof rats have long, thin bodies with soft brown fur that has black hairs intermixed, between 6 and 8 inches long, with large eyes and ears.
These rodents are nocturnal and try to avoid contact with people, so you may not catch sight of one. Their droppings can help you to determine which species is in your home, though. House mice droppings are less than 1/4 of an inch long, roof rat droppings are about 1/2 of an inch long, and Norway rat droppings are around 3/4 of an inch long.
Mice and rats breed rapidly, and these social animals stick together in groups. Whether you see the rodents themselves or signs of their activity, it is best to take action quickly before the infestation gets worse. Contact us today at Ensec for assistance identifying and eliminating rodents in your home.
The Damage And Dangers Rodents Can Create In Your Home
A rodent infestation endangers the structure of your home, your belongings, and the health of everyone living there. Rodents in the walls or attic damage insulation with their waste and nesting habits and will chew on wiring, creating a fire hazard. They will gnaw on furniture, chew through drywall and cabinets, and Norway rats can even gnaw through plastic and lead pipes.
Mice and rats can also spread diseases, including rat-bite fever, cowpox virus, and tularemia, and they contaminate your food and surfaces with bacteria that can make your family sick. The sooner you eliminate these pests, the safer your home and family will be. Contact us today at Ensec to learn more about our rodent control services or to schedule a free inspection.
Simple Rodent Exclusion Tips That Work
The best way to ensure your home stays rodent-free is to remove any potential entryways. Here are some simple yet effective rodent exclusion tips to help safeguard your home:
- Ensure basement windows seal correctly and the weatherstripping is intact.
- Look for loose mortar in the foundation and make repairs as needed.
- Close off gaps around utility entrances with steel wool, and seal cracks and crevices on the exterior with silicone caulk.
- To prevent rodents in the attic, inspect the roof for damage and cut back tree limbs near the roofline.
Additionally, you’ll want to remove any potential attractants on your property and inside the house. Repair any moisture problems like faulty sprinkler heads or leaking faucets, keep your home clean, store food in air-tight containers, and ensure your trash cans have a tight seal.
Ensec offers expert rodent control near you to help you get rid of these pests and prevent them from coming back. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help to defend your home against troublesome pests like rodents.
How To Safely Get Rid Of Rodents In Your Home
The safest and most effective way to get rid of rats and mice in your home is to work with a professional pest control company with rodent control services. Since 1997, Ensec has been helping our neighbors protect their homes and families from dangerous pests like rodents. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule your free inspection.