Rodent control: Something’s in the attic

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Sanitation, exclusion, traps and baiting are the keys to a comprehensive rodent control program.

As the weather turns to fall and rats and mice seek warmer shelter inside homes, pest management professionals need to be ready for the inevitable increase of calls from customers about animals in their attics. Our company, Guaranteed Pest Control Service Company, recommends incorporating sanitation, exclusion, traps, and baiting in a comprehensive rodent control program.

Taking one action without the others may allow rodent problems to persist, which can make for frustrated customers and service technicians.

Sanitation

Proper sanitation is the first step in controlling rodent pests. All animals have three requirements for life: food, water and shelter. Removal of anyone will force an animal to leave. Rodents are first attracted to a home based on what’s available outside. Eliminating debris such as piles of unused lumber or trash will reduce potential shelter areas for rodents. Collecting and removing fallen fruit from backyard trees and keeping lids on trash cans also will make an area less attractive to rats and mice. Suggest that clients store pet food and seeds, such as wild bird seed, in rodent-proof containers.

Exclusion

Rodents can squeeze through any opening their heads can fit through. That is a ¼-inch opening for mice and a ½-inch opening for young rats. Conduct inspections to find rodent access points. Focus around wires, conduits and pipes, or chimney and plumbing stacks. Pay attention to soffits and eaves, and attic or crawlspace vents. Don’t forget doors — rodents can slip under worn or missing door sweeps.

Seal off small access points with rodent-proofing materials such as ¼-inch hardware cloth, 24-gauge sheet metal or cement.

Traps & Baiting

Snap traps and sticky traps are excellent tools to eliminate mice and rats. Make certain to secure the trap where it’s placed so the pest cannot move it.

Repeater traps are another effective tool when dealing with mice. Mice are curious creatures, and they are attracted to the scents of their own species.

Ensure that frequent follow-up services are scheduled once the traps are placed. This will allow for the removal of any dead rats or mice before the process of decay begins. Decaying pests not only cause odor and staining; they invite other pests in, including flies and beetles. Note that rodenticides should never be used in the attic.

This story is sponsored by Guaranteed Pest Control locally owned and operated in Beaverton since 1949. Call us at 503-646-2119 or visit. www.guaranteedpestcontrol.net.

**10% discount to new customers**