
Rats and Mice
Rodents often carry diseases, and rats and mice can also cause damage to your home and property. Rodents frequently raid trash bins, trees, garages, and vegetable gardens where they often find food sources. They also chew through wood and electrical wiring, which can expose the wire and increase the danger of a house fire. By some estimates, as many as one-quarter of all house fires in Canada are caused by exposed wiring due to rodent damage. Needless to say, rodents relieve themselves almost everywhere, which in addition to causing a health hazard can create some foul odors. These are all reasons why you need rodent control in Guelph. Our exterminators are rat removal experts and serve the entire greater Guelph area including, Kitchener, Cambridge, Fergus, Elora, Elmira, Rockwood, Acton, Eden Mills, Georgetown, Freelton, Millgrove, Aboyne, and other surrounding areas. Not only do we know how to get rid of rats at your home, but we also know how to stop them from getting into your home in the future.
Rat and Mice Control Guelph
Whether you are dealing with one rodent or a severe rodent infestation, correctly identifying the type of species at your property and the size of the infestation is critical in determining the best type of approach to gain control. At Westfort, we use the most up-to-date products and treatment methods and have built a reputation as the pest control company Guelph area homeowners can trust for the type of service technicians that we send to your home or business.
Cause
As is the case with all pests, rats and mice need water, food, and shelter. Readily available food sources are an attractant. Some common food sources are trash bins or dumpsters where the lid is left open or the lid is missing or damaged allowing easy access to waste, fruit that has fallen from citrus trees or fruit that has not been harvested and left on the trees, and seeds of any kind including grass seed used for winter lawns. Shelter can be found in a variety of areas depending on the type of rodent at your home.
For example, house mice often find shelter in garages or homes. As it cools in the Fall or Autumn, we always get an increase in rodent calls. That is because rodents are looking for warmth, which drives them inside of homes and buildings.
Rodent Control Treatment
Treating rodent infestations effectively requires a proper inspection to accurately determine the type of rodent(s), where they are getting into the home or structure, and the size of the rodent population. From there we implement what is called “Integrated Pest Management,” or IPM. We start out by sealing the areas where the rodents are coming in from.
We do this by recommending installing door sweeps and/or installing new weather stripping, caulking or sealing pipe chases, making sure dog doors are properly maintained, and other similar methods. We then recommend steps the homeowner can take to eliminate food sources and nesting areas. Some examples include making sure landscaping is properly maintained including keeping trees trimmed back that touch or hang over the home or building, repairing trash bins and dumpster lids and keeping them closed, picking fruit, and picking up fallen fruit. We then use a variety of treatment methods to reduce the current population.
Rodent Prevention
You can prevent rodents from getting into your home by sealing or closing entry areas. A rodent can get into a home through a hole the size of a nickel or dime. We can help you inspect your home to show you areas where they are entering the home. You can also reduce or prevent rodent infestations by reducing easy access to food and water sources. Rats and mice are always looking for food and they are going to take the path of least resistance.
Making sure your home does not have easy access to food sources, such as fallen fruit or unpicked fruit or food scraps in a garage can with a broken lid, will go a long way in making your home less attractive to these pests. Westfort Pest Control can also implement proactive treatment methods to keep rodents out of your home or business. All these methods are pet-friendly, people-friendly, and environment-friendly.
We are happy to discuss in more detail your specific situations and customize an approach that will take care of your problem and better help you prevent rats and mice from getting into or from being around your property. Our affordable Guelph rat and mice pest control services are also fully guaranteed.
Rodents can be a nuisance and a health hazard when they find their way into your home. Here are some effective methods to control rodents and keep them out of your house.
1. Seal Entry Points: Rodents can squeeze through even the tiniest openings, so it’s important to seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior. Use steel wool or caulk to fill in holes around pipes, vents, and windows.
2. Remove Food Sources: Rodents are attracted to food, so make sure to store your food in airtight containers. Keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
3. Set Traps: Snap traps and glue boards are effective tools for catching rodents. Place them along walls and in areas where you’ve noticed rodent activity. Be sure to check the traps regularly and dispose of any captured rodents promptly.
4. Use Rodent Repellents: There are various natural repellents available that can deter rodents from entering your home. Peppermint oil, for example, has a strong scent that rodents dislike. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where rodents are likely to enter.
5. Call a Professional Exterminator: If your rodent problem persists despite your best efforts, it’s time to call in the professionals. Pest control experts have the knowledge and tools to effectively eliminate rodents from your home.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to controlling rodents. Regularly inspect your home for signs of rodent activity and take proactive measures to keep them out. By implementing these strategies, you can regain control of your home and keep it rodent-free.