Mice and other rodents are abundant in nature and can live in open fields, densely wooded areas, and unfortunately for us, where humans live and work. And living in a city like Charlotte means that you might come face to face with one of several rodent species, such as roof rats, deer mice, house mice, or Norway rats. That’s where our rodent control services can help.
There are many reasons to keep these guys out of your house, such as their ability to wreak havoc on your home, cause structural damage, chew electrical wires, and spread disease-causing pathogens. And even though it’s unnerving to even think about rodents in your house, there are ways to prevent them.
Rodents 101: A Precursor to Rodent Control in Charlotte
Mice and rats are both common critters in Charlotte, NC. Read on to learn more about their differences, tips for rodent control, and when to call in a professional mouse or rat exterminator.
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Mice
Mice are less dependent on humans for survival than rats. They are just as comfortable outside in fields as they are inside your home. Once they create a nest, they don’t travel far from it (usually no more than 20 feet).
Inside homes, mice can nest almost anywhere that’s undisturbed, including wall voids, closets, attics, cabinets, appliances, and furniture. And they eat many of the same foods that we do.
Rats
Rats typically live in close association with humans. They thrive in large cities (like Charlotte) and are good at traveling through sewers and other underground passageways.
In homes, they usually nest in dark, warm areas. They can travel far from their nests (up to 100 feet or more), and eat a lot of what we eat. Norway rats prefer to live in burrows and will readily dig underground nests and tunnels. Roof rats prefer to live up high.
Rodent Control: How to Prevent Rodents from Getting Into House
Rodents can be pretty rude. They come inside uninvited, eat your groceries, leave behind their droppings and trash, and they might even bring in a disease that could harm your family. Before the need for a rat exterminator arises, take these steps to prevent rodents from taking over your home.
1. Seal rodents out.
Install door sweeps on all exterior doors and check that your windows are properly screened. Seal all openings outside the home using steel wool, wire mesh, or similar materials.
Don’t forget to check the attic and around the chimney for other entry points! Making sure basements and crawl spaces are well ventilated and dry will also help keep rodents out.
2. Eliminate the attraction.
Mice and rats are not picky when it comes to eating, so keep all food items sealed away. Keep your kitchen and house tidy and make sure garbage receptacles have tight-fitting lids and are emptied on a regular basis.
Place dry pet food and birdseed in sealable containers and store them in an outside storage room if possible. Bird feeders and pet food left outside can attract mice. Keep bird feeders clean of waste—rodents love that stuff!
3. Limit their nesting options.
Eliminate piles of leaves, wood, and rubble near your house. Keep your lawn and trees trimmed. Rodents love cardboard, so dispose of that regularly. Unused furniture in the home can also be a welcome site for mice looking for a place to nest.
4. Use mouse traps to help stop an ongoing infestation.
Think you have a rodent roommate already? Place traps perpendicular to walls, with the trigger facing toward the baseboard to ensure mice run directly into the trap as they run.
5. Don’t waste money on rodent repellents.
Science has proven that natural mouse repellents rarely work and, if they do, it’s only for a short period of time. A few of the most common substances include mothballs, peppermint oil, toilet cakes, ammonia, cat urine (gross), and human hair. Some people think having a cat or dog will keep rodents away, but it’s best not to rely on your pets to be your “mouse exterminators.”
What if I Hear Rodents in the Walls?
Are you hearing something go squeak in the night? Rodents often seek shelter in homes to withstand the winter cold or hot summer sun. If they are in your walls, you may be able to hear them – usually at night when they are most active. In fact, many homeowners hear mice scurrying and squeaking in their walls before they even see one.
Unfortunately, having an infestation sometimes means that mice and rats may die inside your walls. It’s important to get dead rodents out of your home as soon as possible.
Getting rid of rodents in your walls can be tricky. Taking the DIY route can yield less-than-effective results and potentially cause more damage to your home. That’s why enlisting the aid of a knowledgeable pest control specialist is critical to helping get these critters out of your walls—and out of your home.
What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Rats & Mice?
Your best bet? Calling a Terminix rodent control expert in Charlotte. Our experts will conduct an initial inspection to determine how rodents are getting in. Then they’ll develop a customized treatment plan to help get rid of them, including sealing and securing vulnerable entry points to help keep rodent intruders out.
Terminix Can Help
Terminix experts aren’t like most mouse and rat exterminators. Our pest professionals have the knowledge, specialized training, and proven approach to protect your home, guaranteed. Think you have rodent roommates? Give your local Charlotte branch a call.