How to Handle a Rodent Problem in your Home

You do a lot to keep your home in order. It takes time, effort and attention to detail, and the last thing you want is a pest problem to upend all your hard work. Finding a rodent—or worse yet, multiple rodents—in your living space is enough to turn a good day bad, and worst of all, it’s rarely an issue that can be resolved overnight. Single rodent sightings usually mean more are waiting in the wings, and an infestation of rats or mice demands swift action. Keep these New Orleans rodent control tips in mind should you find yourself in this unsavory situation.

Rodent Risks
 
While some may choose to keep them as pets, it goes without saying that most would prefer to not see rodents running free throughout their homes. There are plenty of good reasons to feel an aversion, as even a single rat or mouse can cause serious property damage. They’re also potential carriers of dangerous diseases, including several that are known to occur commonly in the United States:
 

• Leptospirosis: A bacterial affliction that threatens major organs and respiratory health in both people and animals.
• Rat-bite fever: The strain streptobacillus moniliformis occurs in the U.S., and typically causes rash and/or fever, and may also lead to more serious conditions.
• Hantavirus: Frequently causes serious illness, breathing problems and can even lead to death.

 
These diseases don’t occur simply from direct person-to-animal contact, either. Mice and rats each can transmit different types of bacteria directly through bites, but more commonly, transmission takes place via exposure to rodents’ urine, saliva or their droppings. Such circumstances may come about in a number of different ways, such as:
 

• Hands being exposed directly to rodent leavings and then making contact with the eyes, nose or mouth without proper cleaning.
• Inhaling contaminated dust or debris, such as from materials that make up a rat or mouse nest.
• Consuming foods that have come into contact with disease-carrying rodents or residual contaminants.
• Being bitten by fleas or other parasites that have drawn blood from a diseased animal.

 
Bear in mind that these troublesome critters can also become a source of serious property destruction. Mice and other small animals are often equipped with mighty incisors that’re perfect for chewing through building materials, which is especially problematic should they come across electrical wiring. Compromised wires can spark fires with little or no warning, heightening the need for a quick resolution to an infestation.
 
Prevention First
 
Whether you have yet to spot animal invaders or you’ve recently rid your home of them, a good prevention strategy is essential to maintaining order. Keeping pests out is always preferable to removal after the fact, so consider these recommendations for better peace of mind:
 

• Cleanliness counts. Keeping your living space clean isn’t enough to prevent pest problems all on its own, but it’s always a good first step. That’s because rats and mice are like any other creature—they’re out in search of food, and when crumbs are plentiful, they know they’ve got a viable source of nourishment somewhere nearby.

 

• Don’t skip out on yard duty. Rodents make their way into your home from outside, so it’s prudent to limit possible nesting spots around your residence. Get rid of yard waste, junk and other debris to discourage rodents—not to mention insects and other potential intruders.

 

• Secure the perimeter. After clearing the surrounding areas, it’s time to plug up any gaps. A mouse needs a hole no larger than a ballpoint pen to gain entry into your home, and just one rodent is capable of opening the proverbial floodgates. Be sure to close off all vulnerabilities, including any cracks, vents and open areas around pipes.

 
Removal Methods
 
Even the best-laid plans often come to naught, which means it can become necessary to remove rats or mice that’ve already gained access to your home. There are several options available to you, depending on how personally involved you want to get:
 

• Set traps. The traditional “snap trap” is still in use, although there is a spectrum of proven rodent-control methods now available on the market. Electronic devices corral pests and kill via steady voltage shock, said to be a more humane course of action. Glue traps can provide a line of sticky defense against rodents as well as bugs, spiders and other pests, as can some poisons. Consider ultrasonic noise machines for non-lethal performance, or live traps, which allow for catch-and-release control.

 

• Let the food chain function naturally. Housepets—cats in particular—can provide a reliable measure of protection against rat or mouse infestations. Felines are natural predators, known for pursuing rodents, birds, reptiles and a number of other smaller animals. Although one should still expect a measure of cleanup duty after a cat has dispatched its prey, many prefer the more natural chain of events when comparing against commercial solutions.

 

• Call in the professionals. One of the most popular ways to resolve a rat problem is to contact the people who do it for a living. A qualified pest control service can take the weight off your shoulders, providing expertise and taking the necessary steps to rid your home of unwanted guests. This route may be ideal for those with busy schedules and physical limitations as well as individuals who are simply squeamish when it comes to dealing with critters.

 
Choosing the Right Solution
 
Ultimately, the best choice for your home will come down to a variety of factors. You’ll need to consider not just your own personal ability to deal with the infestation, but risks to other family members in the home as well. Households with young children or small pets should be careful with traps or poisons, which might present dangers to people or animals other than the intended targets.
 
If you live in a rural area where consistent prevention of mice and rats is more difficult to achieve, a steady removal method may be necessary. When all else fails, consider a professional New Orleans rodent control provider for confidence, relief and, most importantly, a rodent-free household.