Rodents are a problem not just for Yakima County home and business owners but also for home and business owners in pretty much every county. Rats and mice are some of the world’s most common pests. Because they’ve spent so many millennia either partially or entirely using humans for food and shelter, many rodent varieties have become semi-dependent on people for survival. That means rodents aren’t just among the most common pests – they’re also among the most difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, you aren’t unarmed in the war against them.
Are Mice And Rats Dangerous?
Mice and rats are both very dangerous to have in and around your home. These rodents might be different species, but they do similar damage and spread virtually all of the same diseases. Mice and rats damage property in two main ways: nesting and grinding their teeth. Both rats and mice love to rip up plush things to make suitable nesting materials. That translates into tearing apart furniture, shredding stuffed animals, and even ripping up fiberglass insulation.
Rats and mice, like all rodents, have teeth that never stop growing. That means both species have to chew on hard items such as electrical wires, vinyl siding, plastic, wood, and anything else harder than their teeth to grind them down. Mice and rats can do significant damage if allowed to run free through your home, chewing on whatever they like.
Not only do rodents destroy property, but they also spread disease with their saliva, urine, feces, hair, and dirty feet. They don’t have any scruples about pooping and peeing wherever they want, and when they get into your food stores or contaminate your home’s surfaces, they can give you illnesses like:
- Leptospirosis
- Hantavirus
- LCM (Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis)
- Plague
- Rat Bite Fever
- Salmonellosis
- Tularemia
Why Are Mice And Rats Coming Into My Home?
Your home has things rats and mice need: food, water, shelter, and safety. It’s typically easier for rodents to meet their basic needs by piggybacking on human habitations than by remaining in the wild. Our homes are warm all winter and cool all summer. Our pantries are stocked with goodies. Our toilets and leaky pipes are full of water. And, maybe best of all, our houses aren’t full of hawks and snakes stalking around looking for a snack. What rodent wouldn’t think that’s a sweet deal?
What Can I Do About The Rodents On My Property?
The short answer to this question is “not a lot.” Unfortunately, once rats or mice have established themselves on your property, they can be next to impossible to eradicate. Both these rodents breed explosively, meaning even one or two mating adults can quickly become hundreds. Some people think that rat poison or traps can deal with a rodent infestation, but the truth is neither of these methods does much other than make a temporary dent in rodent populations.
For obvious reasons, snap traps aren’t a great solution to a large infestation. They only kill one individual at a time, and then they have to be emptied and reset – not great for a houseful of rats. Poison baits also aren’t an ideal option. They kill slowly, giving rats and mice time to crawl into your basement, attic, or even your ventilation system to die. A houseful of decomposing rat bodies isn’t any healthier than a houseful of live rats.
Fortunately, there’s a better way. Here at Prosite, we always stay on top of the latest and greatest rodent-elimination techniques so we can guarantee a pest-free home to all our customers. So give us a call or visit our contact page to schedule your service today!