Are you looking for a quick way to tell if your Saratoga home has a rodent problem? Let’s take a look at what rodents are. When we think of rodents, we think about rats and mice. These are certainly common rodents found in homes and businesses. Squirrels, chipmunks, hamsters, porcupines, and beavers, are rodents as well. The most common problem-causing rodents to people in Saratoga County, however, are mice and rats. These rodents have been a source of headache for humans since the dawn of time. They are not only a nuisance, but they can also be highly destructive to your home or business and a threat to your health.
How to Tell If You Have Rodents in Your Saratoga County Home
Knowing you have a rodent, or many of them, in your Saratoga County home is not difficult. We’ve already mentioned how destructive these sometimes-cute looking creatures can be. Rats and mice, like other rodents, have teeth that continue to grow, creating the need to gnaw and chew constantly. This can result in extensive and costly damage around your home. You would see this damage with even a few mice. When you have mice or rats in your home or business, you may see wires that have been chewed through, furniture that has been gnawed, possibly even clothing or metal. Rodents are notorious for chewing.
Another sign is mouse or rat droppings. They’re easy to spot. They are typically around a quarter-inch long and tapered at the ends, resembling a grain of rice or maybe a raisin. Rat droppings are similar to mouse droppings but larger. They are about a half-inch long and a little wider than mouse droppings. The more droppings you see, the bigger the problem you have on your hands. A grown mouse can leave between 50 to 75 droppings every day, so imagine that multiplied by many mice.
If you have mice or rats in your home, you may also hear the sound of scampering or scratching behind your walls. Mice and rats will move about primarily at night, so this is when you will hear an increase in the noise. Something to remember: if you see one mouse, you’re very likely to have more running around than you know.
How to Avoid a Rodent Infestation in My Home or Business
There are some things you can do to minimize the presence of rodents in your Saratoga County home. First and foremost, identify and seal any entry points. Rodents can get through even small openings. Caulking cracks around the foundation of your home is always a good idea.
Check to make sure you have good screens on windows and screen doors. You should also look for gaps in doors and use a door sweep. This will not only help weatherproof your home, but it’s also a great way to eliminate tiny gaps that offer an entry point for rodents.
Keeping a clean house is essential for keeping rodents away. Rats and mice seek out food, water, and shelter. If you deny them these things, your home or business will be less attractive to them. Keep your kitchen floors swept, food properly sealed and stored away, and be sure to fix any leaky pipes that create water sources.
Don’t tempt rodents with lots of good things to chew on. Keep your yard clean and get rid of old newspapers, cardboard, toys that aren’t being used, and anything else rodents will want to chew on.
Seeking professional help for rodent problems in your Saratoga County home? Old School Pest Control is your answer. We can help you determine the extent of the problem and offer you the right solution for eliminating rodents in your Saratoga Country home. Call us today and let us help you take back control of your home.