Most people panic when they find evidence of a rodent infestation. They immediately envision expensive damage to the building and its contents as well as the risk of developing serious diseases. Putting out a few mouse traps may seem like an obvious solution.
These people are right in that rodent infestations are responsible for thousands of dollars in property damage. Moreover, mice and rats transmit dozens of illnesses to people. This means that rodent infestations truly are serious business.
These reasons also are why putting out a few mouse traps is not a sufficient response. Rodents are surprisingly cagey and frequently avoid all but the most strategically placed and baited traps. Even if a trap does get one or two rodents, it cannot get them all. For every rodent that is trapped, dozens of others may be hiding inside the walls, beneath heavy equipment and appliances or in storage boxes. Many of them will never run into a trap.
If rodent removal is so difficult, does this mean that there's no hope? That is absolutely not the case. Working with a knowledgeable, licensed pest management professional is the best way to ensure total rodent removal from the premises.
Property owners who are serious about protecting the people who occupy their property and the property itself are encouraged to contact an exterminator at the first sign of a rodent infestation.
WHY RODENT FECES IS DANGEROUS
Even rodent feces that appear several months old and completely dry present a risk, which is why it is always advisable for people to ask a professional to deal with rodent removal and clean up.
Rodent feces may be discovered absolutely anywhere in an infested property. It may be in and around the animals' nests, in food that is intended for consumption by people or pets and in pretty nearly any nook and cranny in the building. It's obvious enough that a box of cereal that shows signs of gnawing needs to be thrown away, but does all the rest require special handling?
Pest management professionals are trained to take numerous precautions when they are cleaning up in the aftermath of a rodent infestation. Frequently, rodent feces are infested with substances that cause illnesses like the serious lung ailment known as Hantavirus. Simply being in the same room may be enough to spread this disease, and if a person disturbs infested feces without taking the proper precautions, they may be inhaling harmful toxins without being aware of it.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TREAT RODENT DROPPINGS?
It is almost never a good idea for property owners to try to clean up rodent waste products. Most people just don't have the safety equipment that is required to ensure that they do not make themselves sick.
In virtually every case of rodent infestation in Langhorne, it is sensible to hire a professional decontamination company to disinfect the residential or commercial building. Thanks to their training and experience, these technicians are able to sanitize the property without putting anyone at further risk. Their efforts are supported by the use of specialized equipment that helps to ensure a safe and thorough cleanup.
ATTIC CLEANUP
Attics are among the portions of buildings that are most frequently infested by rodents. The characteristics of attics make them particularly attractive to these pests as they are dark and crowded. Best of all, people tend not to go into attics very often, which means that rodents are free to go about their business without being noticed.
Accordingly, an attic could be hosting an infestation for months or even years before people become aware of the problem. Once they are alerted, they may act swiftly, but much of the damage has already been done. Between nests, food caches and rodent waste products, the attic is in dire need of cleaning.
This cleaning goes beyond the standard efforts that most people might make in an attic. Pest management technicians use specialized products and equipment to ensure a safe and thorough job that creates a minimum of distraction for the building's rightful occupants.
The usual routine for professional attic cleanup involves:
• BAGGING AND REMOVAL OF INSULATION
Rodent waste products may be found absolutely everywhere in the attic, including the insulation. This contaminated material must be removed to stop the potential for spreading illness. Additionally, rodents frequently shred and carry away insulation to use as nesting material. With so much damage being done, it may be necessary for the technician to remove and replace sections of the insulation.
• FECES REMOVAL
Pest control technicians will peer into every nook, cranny and storage container in the attic looking for the tell-tale signs of rodent waste products. Throughout the process, the technicians will wear safety equipment that protects them, and they use cleaning gear that is designed to get rid of the feces while minimizing how much might become airborne. This is essential to protecting the rest of the building from possible contamination.
• DISINFECTION
It is possible for rodents to leave saliva, feces, urine and other contaminants on every object and surface in the attic. Until all of these signs of the infestation are removed, the attic and the building overall will not be safe to inhabit. Knowing this, pest management technicians do their utmost to disinfect absolutely everything in the attic. This process involves the use of commercial-strength disinfectants and treatments for fleas, bacteria and parasites. Allergens also are eradicated in the disinfection process.
• RE-INSULATION AND RODENT PROOFING
Removing damaged and contaminated insulation is just the beginning. That insulation must now be replaced, and we always recommend Thermal Acoustical Pest Control Insulation to all of our clients. In addition to being incredibly energy efficient, this insulation also effectively and safely stops pests in their tracks.
Rather than being unrolled, this insulation is blown into the attic, ensuring that it reaches even the tiniest and most remote corners. Ask us today about scheduling installation of Thermal Acoustical Pest Control Insulation.
Ask us about this service.
THE BENEFITS OF A THOROUGH ATTIC CLEANUP
Rodent removal is an essential part of the process, but it really is only the beginning. Until the attic is disinfected, the human occupants of the building remain at risk.
Here is a look at some of the most critical reasons for completely cleaning up after an infestation in the attic:
• DISEASE PREVENTION
Most people are not aware of just how many illnesses rodents commonly carry. These diseases easily are transmitted to people through physical contact or from being exposed to waste products and other toxins that are associated with rodents.
If the attic is not thoroughly and professionally cleaned after an infestation, then people may still be at risk for developing:
Property owners who want to protect themselves and the other people who visit their property are encouraged to hire a professional to disinfect the attic so that no one remains at risk for serious illness.
• FIRE PREVENTION
Did you know that attics that are infested with rodents are more likely to succumb to a fire? Rodents chew on everything, including electrical wiring and cords. This leads to many building fires, but rodent removal and cleanup can protect the property.
HOW TO TREAT FOR RODENTS
Successful rodent control typically involves a series of steps, including trapping, poison baits, along with proper species identification.
Those 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.
