Author: Kurt Treftz, Cascade Pest Control
Eeek! No one wants to see a mouse or rat scurry across the floor, but unfortunately, it is an all too common site for business and home owners in the Pacific Northwest. Rodents are commensal animals who have a long history of living alongside humans. With the food, shelter, and safe havens we provide, why wouldn’t they stick close?
Well, you don’t need to fight this battle on your own. At the first sign of an invasion of mice or rats, contact Cascade Pest Control who can help assess your need, get to the root of the problem, and offer peace of mind.
So, let’s explore why call an exterminator, when is the right time to call an exterminator for mice and rats, and what you need to look for.
Why Call an Exterminator
Professional help
Those with expertise can be a great help in mitigating a rodent infestation. They can help identify the problem, locate entry points, suggest best practices, and provide follow-up care.
Reduce dangers of mice & rats
Rodents, like mice & rats, aren’t just a nuisance. They can have negative effects like spreading disease and destroying property. You don’t want to just ignore a rodent problem. Mice and rats are known to carry diseases that are harmful to humans, like human pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hantaviruses. They can also destroy property by chewing through all sorts of things from wires & cables to drywall & cardboard. This can lead to electrical fires and broken devices. They can also contaminate pantries and food storage areas.
When to Call an Exterminator
Sightings
If you see a mouse or rat, then you have a sure sign it is time to take action. Actually sighting a rodent leaves no doubt that you have a problem.
Pet Behavior
Sometimes, pets are a good indicator that you have a rodent in the house. Pay attention to the behavior of your cat or dog. If they seem fixated on a certain place in the house or seem to be stalking something or become erratic, let that be a sign to check closer.
Droppings / Gnawing
Rodents betray their presence in a number of different ways. If you see dropping or gnawing, then you can infer the presence of rodents. Mice droppings are small, brown, and rice-like. They can be found near storage areas, pantries, or cupboards. Mice and rats also gnaw continuously so if you see marks on baseboards, shelves, and boxes in storage, you probably have unwelcome guests.
Nests
The presence of a nest can also warn of a rodent infestation. Mice like to make their homes behind appliances and in dark, warm spaces. If you find a small ball of material about 3-6 inches in size, you might be looking at a mouse nest.
Rats nests will look similar but bigger. Both of them will use discarded material found around your home like paper, insulation, fabric, cardboard, string, wood chips, and more. They will weave it into a ball in a warm, dry place. Check for nests in wall voids, attics, under furniture, and in storage areas.
Smell
Sometimes you can identify a rodent infestation by the smell. Dead rodents give off a pungent odor that can clue you in. You can also smell urine around their nests.
Scurrying / Sounds
If you hear scurrying or scratching in your walls, you have your sign. As they build nests in wall voids, mice & rats may be making themselves comfy. You might even hear squeaking.
Calling an exterminator is important as they can help to end the infestation and prevent further damage. The rodent exterminators at Cascade Pest Control have been fighting rodent infestation for over 40 years. Give them a call today at 888-989-8979.
