Get Rid of Rodents
How to identify and get rid of rodents
Figuring out how to get rid of rodents requires a multi-pronged approach. Sadly, you can’t just wave a wand and magic all the rodents away (but wouldn’t that be nice?).
Instead, it’s important to combine preventative measures with stronger control measures to guarantee a rodent-free property.
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Get Rid of Rodents
How to identify and get rid of rodents
Figuring out how to get rid of rodents requires a multi-pronged approach. Sadly, you can’t just wave a wand and magic all the rodents away (but wouldn’t that be nice?).
Instead, it’s important to combine preventative measures with stronger control measures to guarantee a rodent-free property.
Basic principles of getting rid of rodents
To quickly summarize, these are the basic principles for getting rid of rodents. In almost all situations, these steps are your best bet for driving away and rodent-proofing your house or yard.
1. Identify the infestation
Before you can start implementing control measures, you should first figure out what kind of rodents you’re dealing with, and where they’re hiding. That will help direct the rest of your process.
2. Eliminate food sources
Rodents are attracted to food, so it’s important to get rid of all of their food sources. Make sure all edibles are sealed or stored where they can’t be accessed. Get rid of food waste in containers or trash cans that cannot be chewed through or opened by larger creatures.
3. Eliminate hiding spots
Indoor and outdoor clutter are very attractive to many rodents. By clearing away anything a rodent could hide behind or under, you turn your space into a less attractive environment for them.
4. Seal entryways
Like clearing away hiding spots, it’s also important to seal potential entryways. Depending on your property, that may mean looking at the perimeter of your home, the attic, or the garage.
5. Trap
Finally, trapping is the best way to actually cull and eliminate the rodents. Baited traps are especially effective once you’ve gotten rid of their food sources. Different traps are better for different situations.
Method
Suitable for
Preventative?
Notes
Cleaning Up Food Sources
All Infestations
Yes
Eliminating Hiding Spaces
All Infestations
Yes
Setting Bait Traps
All Infestations
No
Different kinds of traps are available. Snap traps and electric traps are usually ideal
Sealing Holes
Home, Attic, Basement
Yes
Repellents
May help, but not as effective as trapping
Yes
Can be dangerous to children and pets
Poison
Not Recommended
No
Getting rid of rodents in yard or garden
When dealing specifically with rodents in your yard, you can expect to put in a bit more work. Clearing away hiding areas will be a little more labor-intensive, especially if you have a large property.
You may need to find clever ways to make birdseed, pet food, or vegetable gardens inaccessible to rodents. You will also need to consider the layout of plants in your garden, and whether any bushes or piles of garden equipment are providing hiding spots.
Finally, since outdoor spaces tend to be bigger, you may need to place more traps around your property. Take into account any pets that may want to sniff at the traps. No matter what, please avoid poison which can hurt the native wildlife in your area.
Getting rid of rodents in roof, attic, or crawl space
To get rid of rodents in your roof or attic, the same principles as we outlined earlier apply. However, there are a few more added considerations:
First of all, the entry points you’ll need to eliminate are going to be a little different. You may want to cut down or trim any tree branches that allow rodents to get into your roof from the outside.
You will also want to look for any insulation issues that might be causing moisture to build up. It’s much easier for rodents to chew through moist wood and get into your attic.
Getting rid of rodents in house or walls
When dealing specifically with rodents in your house (especially if they’re hiding in the walls), it’s particularly important to focus on low-to-the-ground entry points, like vents and gaps in the foundation of your house. Preventing mice and rodents is more than half the battle!
Aside from that and keeping your house clean, getting rid of rodents is best done with smaller bait traps. The rodents will flock to the traps once there are no other food sources for them in the home!
No more rodents and no more headaches
There’s a lot of work involved when it comes to getting rid of rodents. There are many different elements to consider, like the types of rodents you’re dealing with, where they’re hiding, and what’s attracting them to your property in the first place.
Our professional rodent control services can save you the effort of doing all of the work yourself. Our experts will eliminate rodents for the long term, and give you prevention tips based on your specific situation.