Rodents

Effective control involves three aspects: sanitation, mouse proof construction and population reduction. The first two are useful as preventive measures. When a mouse infestation already exists, some form of population reduction is almost always necessary. Reduction techniques include trapping and poisoning.

Sanitation: Because mice can survive in very small areas with limited amounts of food and shelter, it is almost impossible to eliminate them, particularly on farms. Most buildings in which food is stored, handled, or used will support house mice if not mouse-proofed, no matter how good the sanitation. Although good sanitation will seldom eliminate mice, poor sanitation is sure to attract them and will permit them to thrive in greater abundance. Good sanitation will also reduce food and shelter for existing mice and in turn make the baits and traps more effective. Pay particular attention to eliminating places where mice can find shelter. If they have few places to rest, hide, or build nests and rear young, they cannot survive in large numbers.

Rodent-Proof Construction: The most successful and permanent form of house mouse control is to "build them out" by eliminating all openings through which they can enter a structure. All places where food is stored, processed, or used should be made mouse-proof. Dried grain and meat products should be stored in glass jars, metal canisters, re-sealable coffee cans, or other air tight containers.

Brick constructed homes contain weep holes which are the most common method for mice and rats (roaches, snakes, spiders, scorpions and lizards etc. as well) to enter the home is through the brick weep holes.

Droppings, fresh gnawing, and tracks indicate areas where mice are active. Mouse nests, made from fine shredded paper or other fibrous material, are often found in sheltered locations. House mice have a characteristic musky odor that identifies their presence. Mice are occasionally seen during daylight hours.

During the construction phase of brick-veneer structures, gaps called weep holes are purposely built into the lower layer of bricks in order to allow the wall to drain and ventilate. The unfortunate draw back of weep holes is that they allow pests free access to the interior of your walls. Solutions offers exclusion services for your home including weep hole covers that still allow the wall to drain and ventilate, but they block the entry of unwanted guests into your home. We also seal up other crack and crevices and replace and torn, damaged, or missing screening in and around your home and attic. Contact Solutions for a free pest exclusion estimate for your home or business.

Seal any openings larger than 1/4 inch to exclude mice. Patching material needs to be smooth on the surface to prevent mice from pulling out or chewing through the patching. Seal cracks and openings in building foundations and openings for water pipes, vents and utilities tightly with metal or concrete. Doors, windows, and screens should fit tightly. It may be necessary to cover the edges with metal to prevent gnawing.

Traps: Trapping is an effective control method.

There are several different kinds of traps available for use in rodent control from wood-based snap traps, multiple-capture live traps, etc. An alternative to traps are glue boards, which catch and hold mice attempting to cross them in much the same way flypaper catches flies.

Baits: Rodenticides are poisons that kill rodents. They are either non anticoagulants or as anticoagulants. The non-anticoagulants cause death either via the nervous system or via the release of calcium into the bloodstream. Anticoagulants cause death as a result of internal bleeding, which occurs as the animal's blood loses its clotting ability and capillaries are destroyed. Most of these baits cause death only after they are fed on. Depending on the type of bait used, some baits can cause death following a single feeding, although the mouse does not die for several days. Proper placement of baits and the distance between placements is important. For effective control, baits or traps must be located where mice are living.

Predators: Although cats, dogs, and other predators may kill mice, they do not give effective control in most circumstances. It is not uncommon to find rodents living in very close association with dogs and cats. Mice and rats may obtain much of their diet from the pet's dish or from what pets spill. In barns, stables, and other areas where grain based feed is always available to mice, some cats and dog breeds may help reduce mice populations.

Professional Pest Control: It usually simpler and more economical to call a professional pest control operator at the onset of the rodent problem. You will most likely spend more money purchasing traps, bait stations, and poisons than calling a pest control professional. Also the rodenticides professionals have available are often much stronger than what is offered to the public at local hardware stores.