Hearing noises? Finding droppings in your kitchen, garage, attic, or crawl space? You probably have a rodent issue. The first important step is to determine what type of rodent you are dealing with.
Identifying the Evidence
Fecal pellets are the most common sign and serve as primary evidence to confirm an infestation. Even a small population of mice can produce thousands of droppings in a short period of time. House mice can produce 50-75 droppings per mouse each day. Mouse droppings are about 1/4 inch in length, about the size of a grain of rice, and dark in color when fresh. After a few days they begin to lose the darker color.
Norway Rats, the most common large rat in our area, produce up to 40-50 droppings per rat each day. Rat droppings are 3/4 to 1 inch long and follow the same color pattern.
Inspection and Exclusion
Once you have confirmed what you are dealing with, inspect to find access points. Mice only need an opening just over 1/4 inch to squeeze through. Rats only need just over 1/2 inch. Check under sinks and around all plumbing fixtures, gaps around pipes, holes for dryer vents, and door sweeps. Seal gaps with silicone caulk or expanding foam. Check vent screens for any rips or damage.
We emphasize the inspection and exclusion step because traps and bait alone are only a temporary fix. If the entry points are not sealed, rodents will keep coming in.
Control and Removal
The most effective method is snap traps, placed at a 90-degree angle to vertical surfaces with the bait tray against the wall. Use a very light smear of peanut butter on the tray. A large glob lets them feed without tripping the trap. A light smear forces them to apply pressure, which trips the trigger. Most rodents are captured within a day or two of setting traps, depending on the size of the infestation.
Exterior Bait and Preventative Maintenance
For exterior control, we use tamper-proof bait stations placed around the perimeter. Bait should only be used outside as a preventative measure. Placing bait inside an attic or crawl space will result in rodents dying in inaccessible areas inside walls or under floors.
Enrolling in a bi-monthly or quarterly maintenance plan keeps the exterior stations maintained and allows us to catch any new access points before they become a problem again.
When in doubt, call a professional.
Have a pest problem? Call us for a free estimate, no obligation.
(540) 818-9375