Ask anyone who’s had a rodent infestation, and they’ll tell you the terrors that these furry pests can be. From disease to destruction, rodents cause almost every pest problem possible. And while setting traps and bait might deliver some results, eliminating a rodent infestation isn’t that easy. Here’s everything you need to know to get rid of rodents on your Aiken property.
Rodents In Aiken
There are many rodents to be found in Aiken, but only a select few are likely to infest your property. Common rodents in the area include:
- House mice – These small pests are about four inches in size and dusty gray in color.
- Norway rats – Known to grow larger than one foot in length, Norway rats are as intimidating as a rodent can be.
- Gray squirrels – Although not incredibly common, squirrels are known to infest homes and businesses. Most specimens measure between nine and twelve inches.
The trouble with rodents is the variety of problems they can cause. Primarily, these critters are known to contaminate homes and businesses with their droppings. Hantavirus and salmonellosis are directly related to exposure to rodent droppings. Rat-bite fever is an infectious disease that can be contracted from rat bites. Rodents are known to carry ticks and fleas, which can cause health problems of their own.
Besides spreading disease, rodents are also highly destructive. Their front teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, forcing them to gnaw on hard materials constantly. Wood, plastic, and even brick materials are no match for rodents.
Most of all, rodents are stressful. A noisy squirrel in your attic or squeaking mice in your walls can deprive you of sleep. The sight of rats might cause you to avoid taking out the trash. Frankly, just knowing that you have a rodent problem on your property is enough to cause lasting distress.
Why Rodents Infest Aiken Properties
Rodents like mice and rats have evolved to be highly dependent on people. Our homes and businesses offer them food, water, and shelter that would be much harder to obtain in the wild. There have been sneaky rodents to steal grains and produce from as far back as the first human settlements in ancient Babylonia. As long as there have been people, there have been rodents around.
The stealthy, sneaky nature of rodents is best exemplified in their ability to infiltrate our properties. A house mouse only needs a hole about the size of a nickel to squeeze through, while most rats only need a quarter-sized hole.
Why Getting Rid Of Rodents Is Difficult
Rodents often hide out in areas where you can’t reach, like wall voids. They may even be clever enough to stay away from store-bought baits and traps. Combined with their propensity to breed rapidly, getting rid of rodents by yourself can be difficult, if not impossible.
That’s why the safest, most effective way to deal with rodent problems is with professional assistance from Aiken Pest Control. We offer comprehensive rodent control services as part of our residential and commercial pest control plans. We’ll find the source of your infestation, treat the problem, and prevent a future infestation from occurring.
How To Prevent Rodents
You can prevent rodents from infesting your Aiken property with the following:
- Proper storage – Keep perishable foods stored in glass or metal containers with locking lids.
- Sealing entrances – Stuff any holes with steel wool and patch large openings with metal mesh.
- Moisture control – Fix leaking pipes or faucets and drain standing water.
- Professional assistance – Nothing beats ongoing assistance from your friends at Aiken Pest Control to keep rodents at bay.