Rodent Control

Rodents, specifically rats and mice, are among the most common pest problems. They can invade your home at any time but are far more likely to invade in colder months. They are estimated to infest over 21 million American homes during the winter season. This means the likelihood of encountering a mouse or rat is very high.

These pests can spread over 35 diseases by handling saliva, feces, urine, ticks, and fleas. Deer mice have been linked to the spread of the deadly hantavirus in recent years, which causes respiratory failure and death in over 40 percent of people who contract the illness. Okeene residents are especially likely to encounter Norway rats, as they live in burrows underground. These rats have a two-year lifespan and can have four to seven litters per year, with up to twelve litter sizes. They can cause serious illnesses, including jaundice, rat-bite fever, cowpox virus, trichinosis, and salmonellosis.

If they are present, you might find droppings in your pantry, cupboard, or the corners of drawers. They will also chew through food packaging, walls, floors, and storage boxes. If you discover a pile of shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant pieces, you have likely found a nesting site. You may never see one until the infestation is significant, which is why it is so important to know the warning signs.

The optimal way to avoid an infestation is to discourage them from entering in the first place. Seal holes that lead to the outside and remove clutter from around your home or business where they may nest (e.g., boxes, stacked wood, leaf, and mulch piles). Keep food and water cleaned up, trash cans secure, and avoid keeping wildlife feeders nearby.

It can be challenging to avoid a few rodents moving in during the cold season, even preventative measures. You can purchase traps to implement without a professional, and you will likely catch some rodents. However, mice and rats are intelligent creatures and learn to avoid traps quickly. The best way to rid your home of a rodent infestation is to have a licensed pest control professional assess and treat the problem.

A professional exterminator knows how to identify the type of infestation, where the nests are located, and their entry points to your home or business. Then, an effective course of extermination can be administered that completely removes the infestation and helps prevent the rodents from returning in the future.

If you are in the Okeene area and are experiencing a rat or mouse infestation, contact Nathan's Pest Control today to assess and resolve your issues.