When the weather turns cold, rodents turn to our homes to find warmth. This winter, rodents here in Norristown, and across Pennsylvania, will be trying to invade homes to escape the coming cold. If you are not prepared, your home could be at risk.
What Are Rodents?
Rodents are mammals with continuously growing incisor teeth. With this constant growth comes a neverending need to chew. These front incisor teeth are sharp and can chew through hard materials. Some rodents are even able to chew through lead. This is particularly troublesome when rodents get into homes and start gnawing through walls, piping, and electrical wiring.
Here in Norristown, there are three kinds of rodents that can try to invade homes in the fall and winter, mice, rats, and squirrels.
The Dangers Of A Rodent Infestation
As we have already established, rodents pose a danger with their sharp, ever-growing teeth. Once chewed through, a pipe and the structural wood of your home could become water damaged. This invites in other dangerous pests such as termites or carpenter ants. And if the wrong wire is chewed through, an electrical fire might start. Definitely not something you want to come home to!
Rodents are also known for carrying fleas, mites, and ticks into homes which can then be spread to pets. As if this wasn’t enough, rodents are also known vectors for a variety of dangerous diseases including hantavirus, LCM, dysentery, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis. Rats can transmit these diseases through their fecal matter and urine.
Prevention Tips For Rodents
At this point, you are probably wondering, “How can I keep these pests at bay?” Here are some good places to start.
- Clean regularly and in areas where many people tend to neglect such as in basements, under appliances, and beneath furniture.
- Seal up holes, gaps, or cracks in your exterior foundation using a combination of steel wool and caulk.
- Keep storage areas clutter-free as much as possible.
- Store woodpiles a good distance away from the exterior walls of your home.
- Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
- Clear debris from your property.
- Install metal screens over vents leading into your home.
- Invest in chimney caps.
- Put pet food away when not in use.
- Store leftover food in airtight containers
What To Do If Rodents Invade
If you suspect a rodent or two has gotten into your home, you may be able to act quickly and handle the problem with some carefully placed traps baited with peanut butter. If your infestation is more than just a couple of rodents, your chances of successfully handling the problem on your own will decrease. Either way, the quickest and easiest way to get your home rodent-free is with the rodent control services offered by M.A.D. Exterminators, Inc.
To schedule rodent control for your Norristown home, reach out to us today!