Protect Your Home from Rodents This Fall with PestNation
As temperatures drop in Georgia, unwelcome guests like mice and rats seek shelter indoors, making it essential for homeowners to be vigilant. At Pest Nation, we aim to help you protect your home by identifying signs of rodent activity, preventing their entry, and effectively treating infestations.
Common Signs of Rodent Activity
Noise: Scratching sounds are often heard in walls, ceilings, or under floors when rodents are present, especially at night when rodents are most active.
Droppings: Rodents will leave small, dark, pellet-like droppings near food sources, in cupboards, or along baseboards.
Gnaw Marks: Rodents chew on wood, wires, and other materials. Look for fresh gnaw marks around your home.
Nests: Rodents make nests from shredded paper, fabric, or plant material. Nests are commonly found in hidden areas, including attics, basements, and closets.
Footprints: You might spot tiny footprints or tail marks in dusty areas.
Rodent Entry Points
Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Inspect your home for potential entry points, including:
- Small Holes: Even a hole the size of a dime can invite mice. Check walls, foundations, and around pipes.
- Gaps in Siding: Look for gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior siding, especially near the ground.
- Attic Access: Ensure there are no gaps or damaged areas around your roof and eaves that could provide entry to your attic.
Rodent Prevention Tips
The best way to deal with rodents is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are some practical prevention tips:
Seal Entry Points: Use caulk, steel wool, or metal mesh to seal holes and gaps. Pay close attention to areas where utilities and pipes enter your home.
Keep Food Secure: Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up crumbs and spills. Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean your home to remove potential food sources and nesting materials, and declutter areas like basements and attics.
Yard Maintenance: Keep your yard tidy by trimming overgrown vegetation and removing piles of leaves or debris that could shelter rodents.
Treatment Options
If you suspect rodent infestation, act quickly. Several options are available to remove rodents from your home.
- Traps: Use snap traps or live traps placed along walls and in areas where rodent activity is noticed.
- Baits and Poisons: These can be effective but should be used cautiously, especially in homes with pets or children. The Fulton County Board of Health recommends never placing baits and poisons inside the home; poisoned rodents can die inside walls and small spaces, causing odors.
- Professional Pest Control: For severe infestations or if DIY methods aren’t effective, contact a professional pest control service like Pest Nation for comprehensive treatment. Our team can assist with rodent removal and cleanup.
Protecting your home from rodents this fall is essential for ensuring a safe and healthy environment. You can effectively keep these pests away by staying alert and taking preventive measures. Contact Pest Nation at (678) 765-2226 for customized pest control solutions. We proudly serve the communities of Alpharetta, Atlanta, Buford, Marietta, Roswell, and Sandy Springs.
“Rodent Control (Rats and Mice).” Dekalb Public Health. Last modified 2024. https://dekalbpublichealth.com/environmental-health/rodent-control-rats-and-mice/.