What Is Rodent Season and How Do I Prepare?
Spring is finally here. The weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and the bees and butterflies are beginning to make their pollen rounds. Springtime can vary a bit depending on where you live, but one thing that many people have in common is the presence of rodents in their homes. Warmer weather causes all of the critters in your attics, basement, walls and garage to venture inside and outside of your home. However, there are ways in which you can prepare to minimize damage in the future.
Preparing for Rodent Season
Did you know that spring starts the breeding season for mice? If you are asking yourself, “Why are rodents coming into my house in the spring?”, just remember that if a mouse is four to six weeks old, it is ready to venture out on its own and is well-rested from the previous winter months. The bad part is that mice multiply extremely fast. The good news is that you can prepare to take measures before the spring.
The main thing you can do is avoid giving mice a source of food. Make sure your home is squeaky clean. Vacuum all areas of your home thoroughly, especially in areas where food particles may be present. Additionally, you’ll want to clean both your pantry and kitchen, paying close attention to areas where food tends to accumulate. These areas are typically underneath the toaster, between the counter and stove, and under the refrigerator.
You should also avoid giving mice a source of water. If you have any pipes, sinks, toilets, or tubs that are leaky, make sure that you have them repaired. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that there are no areas of standing water in or around your home.
Since mice and rats awaken in the spring from the winter slumber, they will begin their search for food. However, this search will begin outdoors where the food supply is growing.
Dangers of Rodent Infestation
If you want to know what to expect with rodents in the spring, be aware that they can pose a huge danger to your home if they get inside. Rodents can increase your exposure to fleas, ticks, mites, lice, and other parasites that they can carry in from outside. These things can make both your family and pets ill.
Rodents will also create holes in your walls, roofing, and siding just to be able to enter your home. Both squirrels and rats can cause a huge amount of damage to both building materials and insulation in the attic. Rodents are known to chew through wires, and damaged wires can cause fires in your home.
If they enter your pantry, they will contaminate any food that they can rip open. They will create a huge mess in the process, too.
The good news is that you can hire a professional wildlife removal company to help you get rid of your rodent infestation. Even though you will be able to take measures in your home, such as sealing cracks, it doesn’t hurt to have an extra pair of hands, and knowledgeable ones at that.
Categorised in: Rodent Control