Rodent Infestation
Rodents are not just unwelcome creatures in the home, but also potentially harmful. Rodent droppings can carry many different kinds of bacteria and parasites that can cause serious illness when ingested. Rodents themselves may carry pathogens on their fur or in their saliva which can be spread to humans when they come in contact with open wounds or mucous membranes such as the eyes, mouth or nose. Rodents also destroy property by chewing through walls, furniture and other materials in order to build nests and burrows for shelter.
Types of Rodents
The most common types of rodents found infesting homes include mice, rats and gophers; however chipmunks, squirrels and even rabbits can become problematic if conditions are right for them to enter into the attic or chimney. Rodents need a snug, dry place to stay warm and store the food they eat, making attics or even crawlspaces an appealing choice. Rodents will chew through almost anything in order to get into buildings but most commonly choose areas around roof eaves, siding and vents for access. Rodent droppings are cylindrical in shape and range from 1/4″ to 5/8″ long with blunt ends. Rodent droppings will often be found piled together in corners of the home or underneath appliances where rodents travel – this is because rodent urine has a high ammonia content which makes it very noticeable so rodents do their best not to leave trails when moving about inside the home.
Rodent infestations can be dangerous, but are also sometimes easy to prevent. For Rodent prevention call Spire Pest today at 804-396-2704. Rodents can enter homes through easily accessible opening as small as a hole the size of pencil eraser, so sealing even smaller holes will help keep them out. Rodents reproduce quickly, so any opening that provides access for one rodent into the home may be utilized by many more in just a few months time if it is not sealed up. Rodent infestations should always be handled by professionals like Spire Pest control.
Rodent Prevention
Rodent-proofing is an important part of preventing rodents from moving inside your home and becoming problematic pests. Rodents cannot climb smooth surfaces such as glass or slick plastic so replacing wood siding with vinyl siding will make it harder for rodents to gain a foothold in order to get into a home. Rodents cannot chew through brick, stucco, metal or cement so these materials are all excellent choices for preventing rodent infestations when building a new structure. Rodent-proofing for existing homes is also possible by repairing holes and gaps that may have been created around vents or pipes with wire mesh then using sealant to keep the rodents out. Rodents can be prevented from entering chimneys by installing a screen at the top of the chimney where it meets the roof line and always keeping the damper closed when woodstoves or fireplaces are not being used. Rodents can enter through vents in attics so screening them over will help prevent an unwelcome pest from becoming part of your household.
When Rodents Invade the Home
Once a rodent infestation has occurred it will be important to call upon pest control professionals like Spire Pest as soon as possible. Rodent droppings and urine can carry many different kinds of bacteria and parasites, some of which can cause serious illness when ingested by humans. Rodents themselves may carry pathogens on their fur or in their saliva which can become dangerous if contact is made with open wounds or mucous membranes such as the eyes, mouth or nose. Rodents also destroy property by chewing through walls and creating nests inside building materials such as insulation and electrical wiring so preventing an infestation from occurring is always a better idea than attempting to remove a large rodent problem once it becomes established within a home. Call Spire Pest today for all of your rodent issues 804-396-2704.