One of the most common pests that homeowners complain about is rodents. Common house mice and rats can damage the walls, eat your food and even cause electrical problems when they start munching on your cable wires.
If you have such infestation problems, it’s important to identify whether it is rats or mice you have at home, because the method of extermination for mice is slightly different from rats due to their sizes. Once you’ve confirmed that it is mice infestation, here are some ways to get rid of them.
Peppermint Oil
This natural oil can be effective to shoo away mice, although results may have some limitations. By slightly moistening a cotton ball with peppermint oil and distributing them in various areas of your home, you are creating a scent barrier that’s too strong for mice’s sensitive noses. Since mice aren’t a fan of peppermint scent, they will theoretically evacuate the area.
Mouse Traps
So far, the most effective way of getting rid of mice is the humble mouse trap. Although there are some that are already quite lethal, there are still traps that capture mice without harming them. It’s a good idea to be familiar with the types of traps before deciding which to use at home. Keep in mind that rats and mice will require different traps because of their size difference.
- Traditional Mouse Trap
The snap trap has been used for more than 100 years, and it remains highly popular today, although there are some drawbacks. One of which is that it is very sensitive. Pets and children are at risk to getting injured because of the sensitivity of the snap. Another is its tendency to expose you to disease caused by the mice’s blood, since the trap intends to kill the rodent.
To avoid these drawbacks, make sure to place the trap in a secluded area and make sure to keep an eye on it, so you can put it away immediately after it has captured a rodent.
- Humane Mouse Trap
This type of mouse trap is designed to be both safe and effective. Unlike the previous one, the moving part of the trap generally consists of either a ramp or a trap.
However, one big downside is that the captured rodent must be released at least a mile away from home, preferably in a wooded area, so they won’t be able to find their way back home.
- Glue Traps
Another popular type of trap among homeowners is the glue trap. This is a paper with sticky substance to it—similar to fly paper. When the rodent runs over it, it’s fur and feet will get stuck to the sticky paper.
However, same disadvantage with traditional mouse traps. While effective, there is a risk of a pet or a child getting stuck to it. If you have kids and pets at home, we suggest getting the humane mouse trap instead.
Rodent Poison
Commercial rodent poison is made of a combination of various chemicals that are especially designed to kill rats and mice. Some of the active ingredients are anticoagulants (blood thinners), bromethalin (a toxin that target the nervous system and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).
Unfortunately, using this can pose a risk to your pets, too. Dogs and cats who might mistake this as a treat can potentially get poisoned. If you suspect that your pet has ingested rat poison, bring him to the vet right away.
Professional Pest Extermination
In many cases, it is easier and safer to hire a professional exterminator in getting rid of rats and mice. Letting the professionals handle your rodent infestation will save you from the risks of accidents and exposure to diseases.
- What to Expect from Professional Pest Extermination
Professional pest exterminators, like Pest Destroyer, will first survey your house to check possible entry points of rodents and other signs of infestation. Once the exterminators have identified the infestation and the type of rodent, they will bock all entry points.
Next, depending on the severity of the infestation, your exterminator will either set up traps or use a spray. Lastly, the professionals will do follow-up visits to make sure total eradication of pests.
Among all the methods, we highly suggest getting the last one. Hiring a pest control professional is your safest way to deal with rodent infestation. While this solution may not be very cost-effective for a single mouse, it’s definitely cheaper than purchasing multiple traps for a large infestation. Call Pest Destroyer now for a free site survey and quotation for your pest control needs.
