Author: Kurt Treftz, Cascade Pest Control
While no one ever wants to play host to mice and rats, they live among those of us who reside in the Seattle region. So, knowing how Cascade handles a rodent infestation is a common question we get often.
Question: How Does Cascade Handle a Rodent Infestation?
Rats and mice have been plaguing residents of Seattle and its surrounding areas since they first settled in the area. Rodents, like rats and mice, are particularly insidious. They find humans the perfect mark and use them for shelter, food, and water. As long as humans are occupying an area, there are sure to be rodents joining them.
Since rodents are so prevalent in the area and likely to spread disease and filth, it is good to establish a game plan to deal with them. Let’s answer the following question about what Cascade does to handle a rodent infestation.
Answer: Evaluate, Eliminate, & Exclude
Evaluate the home or business
The first step is to take a good look around your home or business. Cascade technicians will look for evidence of a rodent infestation: droppings, tail marks, chew marks, nests, entry points, and even dead rodents.
Set up traps to reduce infestation quickly
If you have an active rodent infestation, we will work quickly to contain it. Using traps or bait, they will eliminate the current threat as expeditiously as possible. However, trapping and poisoning need to be done wisely and as instructed. Sometimes poison isn’t the best choice as it can cause rats and mice to hide away to die and then they can’t be disposed of as they decay.
Prevent rodents from entering the house
Just ridding yourself of the immediate threat isn’t the final step. You want to ensure that the rodents don’t return to the scene of the crime. The professional at Cascade will help to access the weaknesses in your home and help you work to seal up entry points, reduce attractants, and repel new invaders.
Set up a plan for the future
Rodent infestations are not a one-and-done deal, unfortunately. Homeowners need to stay proactive. Cascade can offer advice and steps to keep your home free of scurrying pests.
Steps to Rodent Proof Your Home
Quick steps to rodent proof your home:
- Seal up holes, especially on outside walls. Even small holes and cracks can provide access to rodents. It can be as simple as stuffing steel wool in the opening that could attract rats and mice.
- Clean up the lawn. Removing leaf piles, mulch, or other decaying organic material can reduce rodent nesting sites.
- Restrict access to food & water. Keep pet food put away while pets are not actively feeding. Don’t let standing water collect inside or outside your home. Seal up food, keep garbage lids tightly fitting, and sweep floors. Even bird feeders can be attractive to rodents.
Getting a handle on a rodent infestation is important for any homeowner. Take steps to kick them out and keep them out. Let Cascade Pest Control help with their expert technicians and over 40 years of pest and rodent control experience.
