Unless it is in a cage, you probably do not want rodents like rats, squirrels, and mice anywhere near your home. Unfortunately, thousands of homeowners in Bossier City play host to these troublesome creatures, particularly as the weather cools. If you have rodents in your home, and are wondering how to get rid of them, you have come to the right place! This guide will outline some of the best extermination techniques for a rodent infestation.
Close Entry Points
The first step to rodent control is ensuring these creatures do not access your home. However, this can be hard as rodents can squeeze themselves through the tiniest of openings.
Typically, if you can fit a pencil into a hole, opening, or crack, rodents can get through it. Seal all cracks, openings, and crevices in the walls, foundation, roof and plumbing vents, and bathroom exhaust vents.
Set Traps and Baits
Trapping is another safe and effective way of eliminating rodents from your residence. The classic snap trap uses a spring-loaded bar to capture and kill the rodent. However, there are also electric traps, and live traps that let the rodent be captured and then safely released to a more accommodating environment.
Sticky traps are also common but are not recommended because of the suffering they cause animals and the threat of disease they pose. Use whatever food the rodents may have been eating in your home as bait, or other rodent favorites like oatmeal, chocolate, bacon, and more.
Get a Cat or Dog
Everybody knows that cats and rodents are sworn enemies, which comes in handy if you wish to eradicate these annoying pests from your home. Bringing a cat into your house is a great way to solve your existing rodent problem, and avoid future infestations.
Whereas any cat would do, Bossier City pest control recommends barn cats or cats raised as primarily outdoor cats are usually the best hunters. A dog can also help with other rodents, such as squirrels.
Proper Sanitation
Proper sanitation will not necessarily eliminate rodents, but poor sanitation will attract them. By removing any access to food sources, rats or mice cannot stay in your home any longer.
Remember, most rodents can live on under 10 grams daily, so several crumbs here and there are all they require. Therefore, vacuum your floors and clean down counters to remove any crumbs, residue, or access to food sources.
Keep food in glass jars or airtight containers. Also, do not forget to secure your trash. Rodents have sharp teeth that can gnaw through almost anything, including concrete, so plastic bags are no challenge for starving rodents.
Use Rodent Repellents
There are many repellants you can find in stores to help deter rodents from your home. Ensure you read the labels carefully to verify the chemicals used are not harmful to people, pets, and the environment.
However, if you are seeking a natural way to get rid of rodents, using essential oils as a rodent repellant might be your best bet. Consider using pungent, and strongly-scented oils, such as peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus. But, since these repellants do not last long, you should consider combining them with another solution, like trapping, for optimal effectiveness.
Should You Seek Professional Help?
A rodent infestation in your home can disrupt your peace and comfort. Luckily, if you employ the right techniques, you can completely eliminate rodents from your residence.
Nonetheless, if you still have issues getting rid of rodents, call a professional. Professionals can perform a thorough inspection of your home to gauge the severity of the infestation, and suggest the best ways to deal with them.
