All You Need To Know About Rat Infestations

Your home is a sanctuary providing warmth, safety and a sense of security for yourself and for loved ones. The last thing that one wants are pesky intruders that ruin structural materials and can carry disease. Especially during cooler months, rodents look for the same shelter that you do. Holes as small as a nickel can be the perfect entrance for a mouse. Rodent invasions can be prevented and homes secured with additional attention to the structure and elements attractive to pests.

If you live in Sacramento and need a rat exterminator or even in Roseville, give us a call today! 916-333-3738!

The structure of mice and rats allow them to squeeze through holes that seem impossible. They can cause electrical fires by gnawing on wires. Mice are also vectors for bacteria, such as salmonella, and can contaminate food sources and surfaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, taking time to seal up gaps and holes inside and outside of the home can deter rodents from entering the premises.

Look for gaps and holes:

• Inside, behind or under kitchen cabinetry and large appliances.
• Near the floor corners within closets.
• Surrounding pipes below sinks and behind washing machines.
• Around doors and windows.
  Surrounding dryer vents and floor vents.
• In the attic, basement or crawl space.
• Around floor drains in the basement and laundry room.
• Where the floor and walls meet.
• Surrounding lines for electricity, plumbing, gas and cable.
• Near vents in attics and crawl spaces.
• Around and in the foundation.
• Near the rafters, eaves and gables on the roof.
• When a small hole is found, fill it with steel wool. Caulking around the wool will help keep it secure. Larger holes require materials such as a lath screen or metal, cement, metal sheeting and hardware cloth that can all be purchased at local hardware stores.
• Calling a pest control company to eliminate rodents but not actually repairing gaps and holes invites additional infestations.

In addition to holes and gaps, the National Pest Management Association has a few other suggestions.

• Repair damaged screens and install door sweeps.
• Inspect screen vents and chimney openings.
• Dispose of garbage on a regular basis.
• Store food in airtight containers to block pests from contaminating the source.
• Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces dry.
• Get rid of leaks and areas of moisture that can attract pests.
• Repair loose mortar and redo weather stripping as necessary around windows and the foundation.
• Inspect all packages and boxes brought into a home.
• Keep the shrubbery trimmed back from the house or structure.
• Store firewood in a dry area at a distance of a minimum of 20 feet from the house.

If you see mice or animal droppings, act quickly. Mice can quickly have families of their own. Golden Hills Pest Control controls ants, cockroaches, fleas, spiders, rodents, and a host of other pests. 

Golden Hills Pest Control experts listen to your needs and handle your pest problem efficiently and promptly. Call our representatives today at (916) 333-3738 to experience for yourself why so many have switched to Golden Hills Pest Control.