Finding rodent issues in older homes has always remained the triggering point for many people. These squeaking pests are not just damaging property valuables but also pose substantial health risks. Typically, older structures are more vulnerable to rodent infestation due to the presence of worn-out materials and the ageing insulation part of it. Small cracks and window holes can make your house appealing for the rodents to start nesting. With ageing insulation, outdated plumbing, and hidden entry points, these homes become perfect shelters for mice and rats. Considering all such points, understanding the top triggers and knowing the smart fixes are essential to tackle future infestation. This is what today’s topic is all about!
Why There Are Rodent Issues in Older Homes?
Older Building Infrastructure
One primary reason for rodent issues in older homes is the ageing infrastructure of the building. Poor building structure causes cracks to appear in the foundation and wall surfaces. And these cracks can entice the rodents to enter into a property with complete freedom. Mice are flexible enough to easily draw into any space through tiny holes or cracks in windows.
Worn-out Sealing and Weatherstripping
Windows and doors of older homes can easily be damaged over time. If the weather-stripping is worn out, it starts leaving small gaps as well as holes. Rodents then use these gaps to get through easily. You might fail to catch these holes easily, but pests can easily find them.
Unused and Hidden Spaces
Rodent issues in older homes can also take place in hidden or unused spaces such as basements, attics or crawl spaces. These quiet, dark and warm locations are ideal for mice to start establishing nests. Hence, all these places are not used much on ordinary days, but they definitely become resting places for mice.
Old Plumbing and Utility Holes
Plumbing systems that are too old and utility openings that are too big in older homes are like roads for rodents. Nevertheless, pests can easily get in through holes in pipes, vents, and wires. Rats and mice like these places because they are warm and damp, especially when it’s cold outside.
Identifying Common Triggers for Rodent Infestation
To perform quick mice control treatment, it is essential to understand the common triggers of their infestation. They are generally attracted to your property in search of shelter, water and food. Unsecured compost cans, pet food and food crumbs are some of the major attractants. Poor sanitation or damp places in the house can be the ideal nesting spots for rats.
Meanwhile, condensation and faulty pipes do not just provide rats with hydration but also soften the wooden structure, which helps them to gnaw easily. Woodpiles, outdoor overgrown vegetation or compost heaps also create a roadway for the rats to draw inside. All these factors contribute significantly to the infestation. It is essential to understand all such triggering points to bring a long-term elimination solution.
When is the Right Time to Call a Professional?
Despite so many efforts, if you are unable to control infestation, hiring expert services from a rat removal company in Sarnia is the right approach. Exterminators have the vast knowledge and expertise skills where they handle any rat infestation with great ease. They hence generally start the process with the house inspection, in which identifying nesting spots is very important. Knowing how much damage they have done to the house and their exact population can help to determine the right control method. Eco-friendly solutions are designed to ensure the safety of families, pets and the environment.
Quick and Smart Fixes to Rodent-Proof Older Homes
To deal with major rodent issues in older homes, we have brought you some quick and smart fixes to deal with them better.
Sealing All Entry Points
Rodents can get through holes as small as a dime, so it’s essential to seal all the possible entry spots. For small cracks, use glue. For holes, use steel wool. Well. for bigger gaps, use wire mesh. Rats and mice often get in through doors, windows, the roof, and the area around utility wires, so pay extra attention to those areas.
Getting Rid of Extra Food Trash
Mice and rats are always looking for food. Put everything in the kitchen in containers that won’t let air in, and throw away trash on a regular basis. Don’t leave pet food out overnight, and quickly clean up crumbs and spills to get rid of food sources that mice and rats use to get into older homes.
Use of Weatherstripping for Sealing Cracks
Rodents can easily get in through door sweeps that are missing or old weatherstripping, especially in basements and garages. Getting new ones with tighter seals will block entry and cut down on drafts. Rodents won’t be able to get in as easily if you make even small changes to the walls around doors and windows.
Eliminating all Sources of Moisture
Mice and rats need water to live, and they like damp places. Fix faucets and pipes that are leaking, use dehumidifiers in musty places, and cover uncovered pipes with insulation to keep condensation from forming. Dry, well-ventilated areas don’t look as appealing to rats and will help keep them out of your home.
Maintaining Outdoor Cleanliness
Always remember that rodents are coming into your house through the outdoor access. Make sure you give your outdoor area the best cleanliness and maintenance against all roadways that are causing them to draw them. Trim all tree branches and extra shrubs, especially those that are near to attics or roof areas.
Kick the Squeaking Rodents Out of Home by Hiring Us!
If you are worried about increasing rodent issues in older homes, then don’t panic; MVO Pest Control is right here to bring long-term solutions. We are just one call away from letting these squeaking pests be out of your property. We understand the damage they are doing to your property and health over time. Before they become a permanent member of your house, hire our expert services and let us perform eco-friendly treatments for immediate control.
