Did you just scream in terror as a mouse (or rat) scurried right by you?
Don’t panic! (Okay, panic a little…) Once you’re done (not) panicking, take a second to breath and read this blog.
You’ll learn that this occurrence is not an uncommon one, why there’s one (or more) in your home, and how to prevent them in the future.
Facts Homeowners Need to Know About Rodents
1) In the last year, roughly 37 percent of homeowners have seen a rodent in their home. That’s more than one-third of all homeowners! So don’t think seeing one won’t happen to you!
2) Of those homeowners who have seen a rodent in their home, the top three places where they were seen were:
- Garage: 39 percent
- Kitchen: 35 percent
- Basement: 27 percent
3) Almost half of all homeowners are most concerned with the reproduction of even more mice or rats (the average house mouse can produce 12 baby mice every three weeks).
4) Rodents are capable of harboring and spreading germs and bacteria that can cause these health risks:
- Hantavirus
- Salmonella
- Plague
- Rat Bite Fever
- Allergies & Asthma Reactions
Reasons There’s a Rodent in the House
- The exterior of your home is filled with cracks, gaps, and holes that operate as an easy entry point for wild rodents. Patch these up using caulking and metal mesh ASAP.
- These furry, little pests will use trees, bushes, and shrubbery as a way to gain access to your home. They will hide here and climb them to access any openings they can find. Prune all plants to take away a rodent’s hiding spot and potential ladder.
- Your home’s window and door frames contain old weatherstripping or the lack thereof. Add brand new weatherstripping to these frames (you’ll also experience savings in your energy bills).
- Garages, basements, attics, and other rooms in your home are oftentimes filled with clutter. Rodents love clutter. Therefore, any cardboard boxes and bins should be lifted off of the floor and organized onto shelves.
- Rodents are always on the lookout for food, which is why you need to keep yours out of harm’s way. Store all packaged food in plastic or glass containers that are properly sealed.
What To Do: Contact your local pest management company so their professionals can help manage your rodent infestation — before it gets too big and spirals out of control. (And when we say local, we mean us!)
