Little Rodents. Big Problem.
When you see a little house mouse run through your yard, you might not think much of it. It’s only between 1 ½ to 3 ¾ inches long. But don’t let its size fool you. If mice get into your home, those little rodents can chew on your wiring and start a fire. Experts believe that 20 to 25 percent of fires that originate from sources that are unknown are likely the result of rodent infestation. You should never underestimate the ability of a house mouse to impact your life. But this is a rodent control article. Here are a few tiny facts you might not know about tiny rodents.
- A mouse can jump 13 inches straight up into the air!
- An adult mouse can fit through any hole it can fit its head through.
- If a hole is too small, a mouse can make it bigger. House mice are able to chew through 2x4s.
- A mouse can climb a brick building like it is running across the ground.
- Tiny rodents can work their way up through downspouts or shimmy up pipes, climb lattice, or scale vines.
Big Rodents. Bigger Problem.
Black rats are big rodents. Brown rats are even bigger. Both can create trouble for you when they come into your yard. They could even make more trouble for you than mice. Rats can attack when they feel threatened, cornered, or disturbed. They also have a greater ability to get into your Jacksonville home.
- A rat can jump three feet straight up.
- An adult rat can fit through any hole it can get its head through. This can be as small as a quarter.
- It can make small holes larger. Some rats have gnawed through concrete to get into structures.
- A rat can scale some exterior surfaces easily.
- Rats use tree limbs and power lines to get onto roofs, and may also shimmy up a pipe.
How To Keep Rats And Mice Out
Let’s use what we’ve learned to establish a plan to keep rodents out of your home.
- Inspect your exterior and seal every hole you can find.
- Trim tree branches away from your roofline.
- Put wire mesh in your downspouts.
- Attach something prickly to wires that connect with your roofline.
- Consider removing vines or lattice if you have them.
- Move objects away from your exterior to keep rodents from using them as platforms to jump up.
- Do routine inspections of your exterior. If you see areas that rodents are chewing, bolster those areas with metal flashing.
- Use hardware cloth to protect louvers and other potential entry points.
- Make sure all of your vents have proper covers.
Added Protection Against Rodents
Rats and mice are motivated by food. If they come into your yard and find food, they’re going to be encouraged to explore your property. If they get into your home and find food, they’re definitely going to stay. Use these tips to make your Jacksonville home less of a target.
- Remove bird feeders. Seeds are a desirable food source for all pest rodents.
- Keep your trash in receptacles that have secure covers. Make sure your receptacles can’t be easily knocked over and deodorize them to reduce smells that attract mice and rats.
- Make sure all recycling is properly cleaned before putting items out into your garage, shed, or storage locker.
- Store pantry items and certain kitchen foods in sealed containers.
- Keep your home clean and free of food debris.
- Consider eating only in your kitchen or dining room to prevent food from being left in other areas of your home.
Ongoing Mouse And Rat Management
The best way to get control of rodents is to invest in a residential pest control program. Routine pest control service visits can complement what you’re already doing or add essential protection to your property if you don’t have the time to deal with pest maintenance.
Professional Rodent & Pest Control
If you’re in Jacksonville, reach out to Trad’s pest Control to learn about our residential pest control options. We can help you find the right solution for your specific needs and budget. Get your pest protection in place today.