Get Rid Of Mice And Rats And Prevent Them From Coming Back
Rodents can enter your home or business through a hole or opening as small as a quarter. These rodent holes are not hard to find in most structures. If they’re in your neighborhood, they will most likely pay you a visit searching for food, water, and shelter. Rodents destroy an estimated one-fifth of the world’s food supply planted every year.
The majority of the rat population lives outdoors. But if you smell a rat, chances are there are several more hiding in your attic, crawl space, or yard. According to the Health Department, under laboratory conditions, a pair of rats and their offspring can potentially produce up to 500,000 rats per year. At that rate, they’re not just furry little creatures anymore. These disease-ridden pests can be dangerous to your health, spreading typhus fever, fleas, rat-bite fever, and food poisoning.
Plus, rats claim territory by urinating on it, and most likely, they’ll make their mark on your insulation. The urine stench can last for months, like a cat’s, and continually attracts other rats.
How Do I Get Rid Of Rodents?
The only reliable solution to a rodent problem is to launch an all-out attack. Your call to Redi National means you’ve brought in the best-trained, best-equipped Rodent Control Team.
Our rodent control programs are designed to prevent re-infestations. Our 100% pest-free guarantee means your problem is solved for good.
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Common Rodents In The Seattle Region
Roof rats are known by many names, including black rats, ship rats, house rats, and fruit rats. In the Seattle area, they are commonly referred to as roof rats. They vary in size, but as adults, they range from 5 to 7 inches long. The two most common colors are dark brown to light brown. The roof rat is a great climber are you see them usually scaling trees to find shelter and food. In the colder months, you will find them seeking refuge in homes as they seek warmth and food.
Norway rats are another common rodent you find in Seattle. You may know them as sewer rats, street rats, and brown rats. This rat is much larger than the roof rat, and it can reach to be up to 11 inches as an adult. The two most common colors are dark grey and brown. The Norway rat loves urban areas, and you find them commonly in downtown Seattle in alleys or roaming through the trash.
A much smaller version of the rat is your standard house mouse whose average size is between 3 to 4 inches. Their color varies but is usually a slight shade of gray. Your house may be rat-proof, but watch out for mice. They can crawl through an opening as small as a fourth of an inch.
The house mouse is a sneaky rodent. Because of its minimum food requirements and limited movements, you’ll hardly know this pest is around. But it is, along with many relatives — and closer than you think. Unlike rats, house mice tend to stay close to home, within 15 feet of their stored food and you. And like rats, they carry their share of diseases, including Rickettsialpox, Favus, food poisoning, and murine typhus.
A much smaller version of the rat is your standard house mouse whose average size is between 3 to 4 inches. Their color varies but is usually a slight shade of gray. Your house may be rat-proof, but worse is slightly smaller than a house mouse and is easy to spot as they are usually dark brown, but all deer mice have a white underside and white feet. You typically do not find these mice in your home as they love the outdoors. On occasion, they enter your home but by mistake as they love wooden areas. You will usually find these rodents in barns, garden sheds, or similar areas, especially if you live outside the central Seattle area.
Frequently asked questions
When strolling the streets or neighborhoods of Seattle, there’s a particular rodent you’re more likely to cross paths with: the Norway Rat. Also known as the brown rat or street rat, the Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus) is the most prevalent rodent species in the Emerald City.
This robust rodent, characterized by its brown or grey fur and a body length of up to 10 inches (not including its tail), has adapted impeccably to urban environments. Originally from China, they’ve hitched rides with humans over centuries, spreading across the globe and finding a particular liking for Seattle’s mix of waterfronts, parks, and bustling urban areas.
But why Seattle? The city’s damp climate, underground networks, and abundant food sources (from both residential waste and commercial establishments) make it a haven for these nocturnal nuisers. While they play a role in the urban ecosystem, it’s essential for residents to be aware of them due to the potential health hazards they pose.
If you’re a Seattleite or a visitor, don’t be too alarmed if you spot one scurrying around. Just remember: where there’s one Norway Rat, there are likely more lurking nearby. It’s always a good idea to ensure your home and surroundings are rat-proof to keep these furry invaders at bay.
If rats have decided to make your space their home, you’re not alone. These pesky rodents are notorious for invading both urban and rural areas, causing distress and potential health hazards. So, how can you reclaim your space? Here are the most effective pest control methods for rats:
- Bait Stations & Traps: Traditional snap traps are still one of the most effective methods. They offer a quick and humane solution. For a more modern twist, consider using electric rat traps. Bait stations with rodenticides can also be effective, but they should be used cautiously, especially if you have children or pets.
- Exclusion Techniques: Preventing rats from entering your property is a crucial step. Seal any gaps, holes, or cracks in your home’s foundation, walls, and roofs. Remember, rats can squeeze through a hole as small as a quarter!
- Natural Predators: Owning cats or dogs can deter rats. Introducing natural predators like owls can be effective in some places, though it’s more suited for larger properties or rural areas.
- Cleanliness: A tidy home and garden reduce food sources and hiding places for rats. Store food in airtight containers, dispose of garbage regularly and keep your outdoor areas clutter-free.
- Ultrasonic Repellers: These devices emit a high-frequency sound unpleasant for rats but inaudible to humans. Their effectiveness can vary and are typically best used as a supplementary measure.
- Professional Pest Control: When the rat infestation becomes too challenging to handle, it’s time to call in the experts. Professional pest control companies have the tools, expertise, and experience to manage and eradicate rat infestations effectively.
Remember, while rats are resilient and crafty, you can keep them at bay and ensure a rat-free living environment with the right strategies.
Dealing with rats can be daunting, given their tenacity and adaptability. While getting rid of them might seem challenging, with consistent efforts and a systematic approach, it’s possible to maintain a rat-free environment. Here’s how to permanently rid your space of these unwelcome visitors:
- Home Inspection: Start by identifying the root of the problem. Check for signs of rat activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nests. Use this information to pinpoint entry points.
- Seal Entry Points: Rats are adept at squeezing through small openings—seal gaps, holes, or cracks in walls, doors, or your home’s foundation. Steel wool combined with caulking makes an excellent sealant, as rats find it hard to chew through.
- Sanitize & De-clutter: Rats are attracted to easy food sources and hiding places. Regularly dispose of garbage, keep food stored in sealed containers, and maintain a tidy environment both inside and outside your home.
- Effective Trapping: Deploy multiple traps in high-activity areas, such as snap or live catch traps. Remember to use gloves when handling traps to avoid leaving a human scent.
- Rodenticides: These are potent poisons and should be used with caution. Place them out of reach of children and pets. When using rodenticides, it’s a good practice to check the premises for dead rats to prevent odors regularly.
- Natural Deterrents: Some homeowners swear by peppermint oil, crushed pepper, or onions as rat repellents. While their effectiveness can be variable, they might be worth a try as supplementary measures.
- Seek Professional Help: If you’re facing a severe infestation or find the problem too challenging to manage, enlist the services of a professional pest control company. They have the expertise and equipment to address the issue thoroughly.
- Regular Monitoring: Ensure you maintain regular checks around your home, especially during seasons when rat activity might increase. This proactive approach will allow you to spot and address any signs before they escalate into a full-blown infestation.
While rats are a formidable foe, with a combination of preventive measures, regular monitoring, and immediate action, you can ensure your home remains permanently rat-free.
If you’re a resident of Seattle or even just a visitor, you might be curious about the local wildlife, particularly the smaller critters that might sometimes venture indoors. When it comes to mice, one particular species stands out as the most common in the Emerald City: the House Mouse (Mus musculus).
This petite rodent, typically gray or brown with a cream-colored belly, has a body length of 3 to 4 inches, excluding its tail. Though originally not native to North America, the House Mouse has become widespread due to its remarkable adaptability, thriving in urban settings like Seattle.
Several factors make Seattle an attractive stomping ground for the House Mouse:
- Climate: Seattle’s mild and damp climate offers a comfortable environment for these mice.
- Urban & Natural Environments: The blend of green spaces and urban structures provides both shelter and food sources.
- Human Interaction: Unintentionally, human habitats often present opportunities for shelter, warmth, and food.
If you’re spotting these tiny guests in your Seattle home, remember they’re just looking for the same comforts we all seek: food, shelter, and safety. But, due to health concerns and potential property damage, keeping them in check is essential. So, whether it’s through preventive measures, humane traps, or seeking professional assistance, there are various methods to manage their presence.
Discovering mice in your home can be unsettling. These tiny invaders pose potential health risks and cause property damage with their gnawing habits. If you’re determined to clear your space of these pesky rodents, here are the most effective strategies:
- Snap Traps: These classic devices are time-tested and remain a top choice for many. They provide a quick solution, ensuring the mouse doesn’t suffer. For optimal results, bait them with peanut butter or cheese.
- Live-Catch Traps: If you’re seeking a humane option, these traps capture mice without causing harm, allowing you to release them outside. Ensure you release the mice at a considerable distance from your home to prevent their return.
- Seal Access Points: Mice are master infiltrators, capable of squeezing through tiny gaps and holes. Inspect your home’s foundation, walls, and doors, sealing any potential entryways using steel wool and caulk.
- Good Housekeeping: Mice are always on the hunt for food. Keeping your home clean, storing food in sealed containers, and disposing of garbage regularly reduces the attractions that might lure them inside.
- Rodenticides: These are potent poisons designed to eliminate mice. However, they have inherent risks, especially if you have pets or children. Always use with caution and strictly follow label instructions.
- Natural Repellents: Some homeowners believe in the effectiveness of peppermint oil, mothballs, or even ultrasonic devices to deter mice. Results can be varied, so they’re best used as supplementary measures.
- Professional Help: If your mouse problem seems extensive or too challenging to manage, consider hiring a professional pest control company. Their expertise ensures a thorough approach, addressing the current infestation and preventing future ones.
- Routine Checks: Regularly inspect your home, especially as seasons change, as this is when mice often seek shelter indoors. Early detection can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major infestation.
In conclusion, while mice might be small, they’re smart and resourceful. However, with a combination of preventive and active measures, you can maintain a mouse-free environment and live in peace.
Have you suddenly noticed rats scurrying around your premises? It can be alarming, but understanding the reasons can help address the issue effectively. Rats are not just wandering aimlessly; various factors attract these nocturnal rodents to specific environments. Here’s a breakdown of why rats might suddenly appear:
- Food Sources: Rats are opportunistic feeders drawn to places where food is accessible. Leftovers, unsealed food containers, pet food, and garden produce can be irresistible lures for these pests.
- Shelter & Nesting: As the seasons change, especially transitioning into colder months, rats seek out warm and cozy spots to nest. Spaces like attics, basements, and wall interiors offer protection from predators and the elements.
- Water Availability: Just like any other creature, rats need water to survive. Dripping taps, pet water bowls, or any standing water can be enticing.
- Overpopulation: When a nearby colony becomes too large, or resources become scarce, rats will disperse, seeking new territories and opportunities.
- Construction & Disturbance: Urban development or construction activities can disrupt existing rat habitats, pushing them to find new homes.
- Entry Points: Rats are incredibly skilled at exploiting small gaps or holes in building structures. Over time, as buildings age or sustain minor damages, new entryways can emerge that rats are quick to utilize.
- Natural Disasters: Events like floods, fires, or earthquakes can displace rat populations, causing them to migrate to new areas for safety and sustenance.
In essence, the sudden appearance of rats is usually a combination of available resources and environmental changes. While they might be uninvited guests, understanding what’s drawing them in is the first step to implementing effective control measures and ensuring they don’t make a permanent stay.
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