RODENT EXTERMINATOR LEVITTOWN, PA
Posted by Admin
If you find a mouse or a rat in your home, do you know what to do? Rodent infestations are common, yet most homeowners aren't certain how to react.
You may wonder if you can fix the problem by putting out a couple of traps. Unfortunately, this isn't enough to address the problem.
Read on to learn about why rodents come indoors and to discover the safest and most efficient means of ending an infestation.
HOW DO YOU GET RODENTS?
Despite a belief that rodents are only attracted to "dirty" homes, nothing could be further from the truth. Rodents will make their way into any structure that has vulnerabilities in the exterior.
With their sharp teeth and claws, rodents scratch and gnaw at a wide variety of materials. All it takes is a small hole or crack in the building's exterior. A curious rodent will use their teeth to make this opening larger, and they don't necessarily have to do much. Rodents may be capable of squeezing through an opening that is no bigger than the size of a dime or a nickel.
This means that it is imperative for people to regularly inspect the exterior of structures to see if there are any holes or cracks. Covering or sealing these openings is one of the best ways to discourage rodents from trying to get indoors.
Other points of entry may include doors or windows that are left open. Doors and windows that do not properly hang in their frames are other potential vulnerabilities. Correcting these problems also protects homes against rodent infestations.
WHAT ATTRACTS RODENTS TO YOUR HOUSE
Rats and other rodents have simple requirements for survival. Adequate food, water and shelter are really all that is needed. While these things can be found in the outdoors, rodents will venture inside, especially as the weather becomes colder.
A plumbing or irrigation leak may be attractive to rodents. Once their thirst is satisfied, they are likely to keep investigating the area, looking for vulnerabilities that will allow them to enter the structure.
A dirty garbage can is another strong rat attractant. When remnants of food are found in a trash receptacle with an inadequate lid, rodents will repeatedly return for a meal.
The same is true with pet food that is allowed to remain outdoors. Containing protein and other nutritional essentials, rats are unable to resist such an easy meal.
Of course, rats and other rodents do not restrict their activities to the outdoors. Once inside, their noses unerringly lead them to kitchens and pantries where they exploit food that is stored on countertops or tables or is kept in paper and plastic packaging. Even minor spills and crumbs are enough to attract rodents.
Rodents frequently venture indoors in the fall and winter in search of a warm, dry place to nest. Secluded locations are preferred, with nests frequently being located in drawers or cupboards or beneath kitchen appliances.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A RODENT INFESTATION
Although rodents tend to be nocturnal, it is possible that people may see a rodent scurrying across the floor at any hour. Encountering a dead rodent also is another giveaway that an infestation is underway.
Even when rodents are not seen, they leave behind signs of their presence. These signs may include feces, gnaw marks and grease stains on walls and baseboards. Some people even report hearing sounds of rustling and squeaking behind their walls.
DO ELECTRONIC RODENT REPELLENTS REALLY WORK
Numerous ultrasonic rodent repellent devices have come out on the market in recent years. These machines give off a high-frequency sound that purportedly cannot be tolerated by rodents, and manufacturers claim that this is the simplest and easiest way to end an infestation.
Unfortunately, there is virtually no scientific evidence available to back up this claim. Users of these devices may initially see a decrease in rodent activity, but this change does not last. This mainly is because rodents are persistent, adaptable and resilient. While the sound emitted by an electronic rodent repellent may at first be annoying, the rodents quickly adapt to the new environment, and they simply find a way to avoid the device.
WHAT IS THE BEST METHOD FOR RODENT EXTERMINATION
The smartest way to handle a suspected rodent infestation is to call for help from a licensed exterminator. Pest management professionals have access to stronger control methods than those that are available to the public. Moreover, the professional's knowledge of rodent biology and behavior gives them the advantage when it comes to deploying these treatments.
Because exterminators use treatment methods that focus on not only eliminating the rodent's nest but also the animal's means of access, their efforts can end an infestation with surprising speed.
Treatments for rodent infestations begin with a thorough inspection of the property. Using their carefully honed skills, the exterminator identifies the species of rodent that is infesting the property. Accurate identification is crucial to choosing and employing the most effective treatment techniques.
Working with the homeowner, the exterminator will make recommendations for cleanup and repairs around the property that block access to the structures and make the property less attractive to rodents.
Additionally, the exterminator will set traps around the property using bait that is scientifically proven to attract rodents. These traps help to eliminate numerous individuals. Bait stations also may be employed. Rodents gnaw through these small packages to get at a poisoned piece of bait. Proper placement of traps and bait stations ensures that the infestation is resolved.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST FOR RODENT EXTERMINATION
Rodent control services may cost anywhere from about $200 up to $1,000. The cost varies dependent upon numerous factors such as the size of the property and how severe the infestation is. Typically, the total cost is broken down over time, with inspection and initial treatment costs representing a major portion of the expense. This covers not only the inspection but also the setting of baits and traps, miscellaneous repairs, cleanup and sealing entry points.
Extended treatment, which may be required in cases of severe infestations, also may be needed.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET RID OF RATS
If you think that rats are infesting your property, then the wisest thing you can do is to contact a licensed pest control professional. With a combination of traps, baits, cleanup and repairs, it is possible to put an end to rat infestations. Additionally, this is the only way in which you can move forward with confidence that your family is no longer in danger of becoming sick from a rodent infestation.
HOW DO I GET RID OF RATS PERMANENTLY
The first step is to work with an exterminator who can quickly and efficiently end the infestation. Next, it is vital that you remain vigilant. This may involve requesting that your exterminator return to conduct routine inspections and treatments as well as changing some of the things that you do around the house.
For example, you might decide to perform monthly inspections of building exteriors to look for holes or cracks. Perhaps you'll resolve to keep your outdoor garbage can clean and to safely store pet food when it is not meal time. You also might commit to immediately placing dirty dishes in the dishwasher instead of the sink and storing food only in glass or metal containers with tight lids.
DOES VINEGAR GET RID OF RATS
Vinegar, along with other strong-smelling household items like dryer sheets and moth balls, do little to deter mouse activity. Introducing a strong new scent into the rodent's environment may make the animal cautious but it will not deter their curiosity. Mice will investigate the source of the smell, but then continue with their usual routine.
As usual, it's always best to ask for help from an exterminator.
Successful rodent control typically involves a series of steps, including trapping, poison baits, along with proper species identification.
Levittown area residents who suspect a rodent problem should contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced pest control professionals know how to inspect a structure to determine the type and scope of the infestation involved. They will then execute the appropriate plan of action to resolve the specific rodent issue plaguing your home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
Schedule a FREE estimate today. 
