Author: Kurt Treftz, Cascade Pest Control
Eek! What is that???
If you’ve ever been startled by the appearance of a mouse or rat scurrying through your space, then you know how disconcerting and aggravating it can be. So, what should you do if you see a rat or mouse in your home?
Here are a few steps to take:
Initial Steps for a Rodent Sighting
Stay Calm:
Sure, you can take a minute to squeak, yip, yelp, or even scream, but then take a deep breath and calm yourself. It is natural to be alarmed at the sight of an uninvited guest, but panicking won’t help. Remember that they are as scared of you as you are of them. Over-reaction might cause them to bolt and become even harder to eradicate.
Be safe:
Particularly with rats, it is essential not to risk cornering them. Their bites and scratches can carry diseases. So, make sure that you are adequately protected if you approach the rodent.
Trap or lure:
In the immediate sighting, see if you can open a window or door and lure them outside. Or set a trap or bait to contain them or get them out of your space. This will probably do the most for your mental health as you can be sure that the furry invader is out of your space.
Sanitize:
Be sure to clean up if you see evidence of rats or mice. Their urine and droppings can harbor disease. Don’t sweep or vacuum as that can cause the microbes to become air borne. Try spraying down the area and then mopping and wiping. Consult the health department for the most appropriate clean up methods.
Call the professionals:
If you see one rat or mouse, there are likely more. If you see a rat, consider calling in the professionals. For peace of mind, the experts can come into your space and develop a plan for dealing with these sneaky critters. Cascade Pest Control has more than 40 years of experience dealing with the rodents of the Pacific Northwest.
Subsequent Steps After a Rodent Sighting
With the help of a professional (or even on your own), you can rodent-proof your house to prevent further sightings.
Identify entry points
Rats and mice are particularly insidious creatures that can get into your home through surprisingly small spaces. A mouse needs only a hole or a crack the size of a standard pen to enter your home. Rats are also agile climbers. Make sure you don’t have foundation cracks or gaps in your roofline. Install a door sweep if there are gaps in your threshold.
Remove attractants
Mice and rats are attracted to the same things you are – warmth, food, and shelter. So, keeping them out is key. Ensure you aren’t luring them into your space with access to food. Certainly, don’t leave pet food available outside, but even inside, it is wise not to leave it out. Pick up your lawn waste so there isn’t rotting organic matter that can attract rodents, especially fruit trees.
Clean & Reduce hiding places
Keep your space clean and free of clutter; you will be less likely to harbor rats and mice. If they don’t find places to hide with accessible food and water, they will be less likely to make your home their newest nest.
Create a plan with a professional
Pest Control companies, like Cascade, have the knowledge and experience to help you eliminate rodents and keep them gone. Rodent control often isn’t a one-and-done endeavor but an ongoing process. Let Cascade experts guide your control plan.