What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of Rodents?
The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all “best way” to get rid of rats and mice in your home. It simply depends on the nature of your infestation, as well as your home and property. How many rodents are you dealing with? Where are they located? Where are they coming from? These answers will help inform how to treat the infestation.
The good news is there are many different highly effective rat and mouse treatment options, so no matter what, there will be a “best” treatment option for you – or a “best combination” of treatments.
Let’s start by talking about some of the best ways to eliminate rodents:
- Deploy traps and bait stations: Traps and bait stations are a highly effective treatment option against mice and rats, but placement is extremely important. You’ll need to place them in a heavily trafficked area that’s inaccessible to children and pets.
- Seal cracks or gaps in your foundation: Sealing cracks is an essential part of rodent exclusion, which is critical to preventing future infestations. Without exclusion, all of your treatment efforts may be pointless.
- Add a feline friend!: Did you know cats are taken on long-term sea voyages for their mouse-catching abilities? Not just centuries ago – even today! Most cats (but not all) are highly effective natural predators that can pitch in toward home rat and mouse control.
- Try natural deterrents like essential oils or hot peppers?: Many people like to go the all-natural way, but trust us – essential oils or hot peppers will not do much to deter rodents. And the more you have, the less effective this treatment will be. We only recommend this as part of a much broader strategy.
- Professional rodent control: For the fastest and longest-lasting results, nothing beats calling a professional.
Can I Get Rid of Rats and Mice On My Own?
Dealing with an infestation with DIY methods demands persistence. While it might seem insurmountable, the right strategies can eliminate an existing infestation and prevent its recurrence.
- Does blocking possible entry points using steel wool, duct tape, or other barriers work? Yes, this is called “exclusion” and it’s an important part of rodent control. However, exclusion won’t help you get rid of rodents that are already in your home, so you’ll likely need another treatment option first.
- Does maintaining a clutter-free home and landscape?: Yes, this is another important part of exclusion. By eliminating clutter and food scraps, you’re making your home less attractive to rats and mice.
- Does proper ventilation in basements or crawl spaces work?: Yes, proper ventilation reduces the risk of moisture accumulation, which rodents need to survive.
- Does getting a cat for natural pest control work?: Yes, absolutely. Cats are one of the best natural rodent control methods out there. And you get a new friend out of it too!
- Do essential oils work?: Not by themselves, no. They may be somewhat effective in drawing boundaries if you don’t want mice to cross into certain areas, but even then, we would opt for other treatments.
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Is DIY Rodent Removal Safe?
DIY rodent control will never be as safe as professional rodent control – but it can be safe as long as you know the risks and treat the problem responsibly.
A few risks of DIY mouse and rat control that you should know about:
- Rodents carry disease bacteria and pathogens, so handling anything that comes in contact with them requires caution. Avoid direct contact and always wash your hands thoroughly after possible exposure.
- Some rodent control products may be toxic, so handle them carefully and according to the manufacturer’s exact instructions.
- Keep products away from children and pets.
Professional Rodent Removal Services
Finding rats or mice scratching around your attic or darting through your pantry is a common headache for many in Suffolk County & Nassau County, and eradicating them can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to safeguard your property. While DIY methods can offer temporary relief, opting for professional rodent control remains the most effective solution to an infestation.
At Suburban Exterminating, our approach begins with a thorough property inspection and a personalized discussion of your needs. This tailored strategy ensures effective treatment while prioritizing your family’s well-being and the environment. Don’t wait until the rat or mouse problem becomes unmanageable – reach out to us today to tackle the issue head-on!