Rodents can cause a number of frustrating problems around the home. These inconsiderate pests can destroy your belongings, wake you up with noise, and can even spread disease. But as troublesome as they can be, rodent infestations are easily prevented with the right tactics. Here are three easy ways you can keep rodents out of your Pensacola home.
Types Of Rodents In Pensacola
There are a few main types of rodents that are commonly found infesting homes in Pensacola. They are:
- Norway rats – Also known as sewer rats, these rodents can grow up to 10 inches or larger. Norway rats have brown fur with a light underbelly and a long, thick, scaly tail. They are often found around piles of wood and garbage cans.
- Roof rats – As their name suggests, these rodents like to live in elevated areas. Roof rats are black or dark brown in color and measure between 6 and 8 inches in length. They are thinner in appearance than Norway rats. Roof rats are highly adaptable and tend to live in small colonies.
- House mice – Common throughout the United States, house mice are gray in color and measure between 2 1/2 to 4 inches in length. They are considerably smaller and rounder than their rat cousins and are known for their curious, inquisitive nature.
These rats and mice have their differences, but all present similar problems for homeowners. First, rodents will chew up virtually anything including paper, cardboard, wood, plastic, and even brick. Next, rodents spread disease and parasites. The droppings and urine of mice and rats are known to transmit hantavirus and salmonella bacteria. Rat bite fever can occur from (you guessed it) rat bites and furry rodents can carry hazardous fleas and ticks which can transmit their own host of diseases. And finally, rodents can simply cause stress by disrupting the calm and security of your home.
The good news is, there are some easy ways you can prevent these rodents from infesting your home.
1) Clean Up
Basic sanitation goes a long way when it comes to preventing a rodent infestation. Store your pantry foods in sturdy containers made of glass or metal. Mice and rats will chew through plastic. Accordingly, make sure trash is disposed of in a metal bin with a tight-fitting lid.
Pay attention to spills and crumbs around the house and make sure to clean up any food-related messes as they occur. Mop, sweep, and vacuum floors often to get rid of crumbs that attract rodents.
2) Seal Up
The average house mouse only needs a hole the size of a nickel to squeeze into your home, and rats only need about a quarter-sized hole. Inspect the exterior of your property for any damage, holes, cracks, or gaps. Patch any openings using metal screening or stuff holes with steel wool. Rodents can easily chew through wooden barriers. Silicone caulk may be effective around pipes and around the foundation, but can also be chewed up by rodents.
3) Call The Pros
Unfortunately, it’s practically impossible to get rid of a rodent infestation on your own. These pests are far more clever than we give them credit for and can learn to avoid store-bought traps and baits. Not to mention, mice and rats do their best to avoid detection and tend to live and breed in areas you can’t access.
That’s why you need support from the pros at EnSec Of Florida for your rodent problem. Our thorough inspections will reveal where rodents are hiding in your home and our safe, effective pest control treatments will eliminate them at the source. With regular follow-up visits, we’ll keep your rodent problems from coming back. Get in touch with us today.