Ever since humans have been building homes, rodents have been invading them. Even centuries ago when dirt houses warmed by fireplaces were common, rodents preferred living with humans rather than out in the wild. Perhaps it is because we have always tried to keep our homes at a comfortable temperature. Or maybe rodents prefer to have food brought to them rather than having to hunt or gather it. Whatever it is, this fact is undeniable, wherever we go, rodents follow. As we head deeper into winter here in Columbia, rodents will be looking for ways into homes. The only question is, will you be prepared to stop them?
Common Rodents In Columbia
The good news is, there is not much of a variety of rodents here in Columbia. The two common rodent pests are house mice and Norway rats. Squirrels can also invade when the weather gets cold enough, but generally, they don’t want to spend too much time in your home if they don’t have to. Mice and rats, on the other hand, would like nothing more than to spend as much time in your home as possible, especially if they are able to find a reliable source of food and water.
What Are More Dangerous: Rats or Mice?
This question has been asked for a very long time. Flashback to Europe during the plague and many would argue rats are the more dangerous of the two. What many people don’t know is that rats did not actually carry the Black Death. They hosted and transported the fleas that did. How dangerous are rats? The truth is they are not as dangerous as mice. Not because the problems they cause are any worse, but because they can squeeze through smaller holes and survive longer periods of time without water.
When it comes to problems caused, however, there is not much of a difference between rats and mice. They can both carry a range of dangerous diseases that can be spread to humans. They are both capable of chewing through walls, utility piping, electrical wiring, and many other things within the walls of your home. And they both can be hosts to fleas and ticks, which bring their own list of problems. You don’t want to be sharing your home with either of these types of rodents this winter!
Our Tips To Keeping Rodents Out Of Your Home
When it comes to keeping rodents away from your home, you want to start outside. Begin by removing clutter from your yard. Get rid of places rodents might be able to seek shelter close to your home.
Next address your home’s defenses. Check your home’s foundation for cracks or holes and inspect your doors for gaps. Sealing these entryways using wire mesh and a caulking gun for your foundation, and door sweeps for exterior doors is a great way to keep out rodents.
If rodents get inside, they will have to find some reliable source of water. The best way you can keep them from finding one is by fixing leaks around your home, picking up pet water bowls before you go to bed, and making sure water isn’t pooling in any sinks or around drains.
The next thing rodents can’t live without is food. You can keep them from this necessity by storing leftover foods inside (and repackaging boxed foods inside) plastic or metal containers. Not so fun fact, rodents can chew into your cabinets and pantries for food, but will not chew into refrigerators. This makes refrigerators the safest place to store foods if you think you have a rodent problem.
Finally, keep things clean. Even just a few scraps of food or a spill of liquid could be a full meal for a family of rodents. The cleaner you keep your home, the less likely rodents will stick around if they do get inside.
What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Mice And Rats?
Hopefully, if you follow the above steps, your home will remain rodent free through the winter months. If rodents find their way into your home, however, you are going to need more than a list of steps found on the internet. You need a professional. Here at Phenom Pest Protection, we are just that. We have the tools and expertise to get those pesky rodents out of your home and back to where they belong. We even have rodent control and prevention plans designed to keep rodents out if you don’t want to go through the trouble of following all of the above steps.
Whatever your pest need is, we have a solution. Give us a call today to learn more.
