It’s easy to identify a rodent. Mice and rats have long tails, furry bodies, and long front teeth. What’s not easy, though, is getting rid of a rodent infestation. Rodents are not the cute, innocent creatures that they are often made out to be. Mice and rats multiply quickly and can cause a lot of damage and chaos in a home in just a short time.
At Magic City Pest Control, we consider pest control in Helena, AL and our pest services to be serious business. We want you to live pest-free and our pest control expert uses various strategies to make that happen with an effective pest control plan for monthly treatments with a pest-free guarantee. Fill out the online form to get a quote and get the rodent control you need from the best pest control company in Helena, AL today.
For professional rodent control in Helena, AL, contact Magic City Pest Control at 205-984-3250 today.
What Attracts Rodents in Helena, AL?
If you are dealing with a rodent problem, you may wonder why. What is attracting them to your home, business, or yard? Here are some common attractants:
- Food sources. Rodents are drawn to easily accessible food, such as grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, pet food, garbage, and food scraps.
- Water. Rodents need a water source, so they are attracted to leaky pipes or faucets, pet water bowls, birdbaths, or standing water.
- Shelter. Rodents seek safe and warm places to nest, such as cluttered areas like basements, attics, and garages. They also look for piles of wood, leaves, or other debris near homes, as well as cracks and crevices in walls, foundations, and roofs.
- Nesting materials. Rodents use various materials to build nests, including paper, cardboard, fabric, insulation materials, soft plant material, and dried grass.
Dangers of Rodents in Helena, AL
Rodents can pose several factors and dangers to both human health and property. Here are some of the key risks to pest problems to be aware of:
- Disease transmission: Rodents are carriers of various diseases, such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, rat bite fever, and plague.
- Allergies and asthma. Rodent droppings, urine, and dander can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
- Structural damage: Rodents have strong teeth that allow them to chew through a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, insulation, and even some metals. This can lead to significant structural damage in homes and buildings.
- Electrical fires. Rodents often gnaw on electrical wiring, which can strip the insulation and create a fire hazard.
- Food contamination. Rodents can contaminate food supplies with their droppings, urine, and fur, leading to spoilage and potential health risks. In areas where food is stored in bulk, rodents can infest and spoil large quantities of food, leading to shortages and economic losses.
- Crop damage. Rodents can cause extensive damage to crops, both in the field and during storage. This can lead to significant economic losses for farmers.
Signs of Rodent Activity and When to Contact Pest Control Companies
Here are some common indicators that rodents may be present in your home:
- Sightings. Seeing a live or dead mouse or rat is a clear sign that you have an infestation.
- Droppings. Rodent droppings are one of the most common signs of an infestation. They are usually small, dark, and pellet-shaped.
- Gnaw marks. Rodents need to constantly gnaw to keep their teeth sharp, leading to chew marks on wood, plastic, wires, and other materials.
- Nests. Rodents build nests from shredded materials such as paper, fabric, insulation, and other soft items.
- Sounds. Rodents are often most active at night. You may hear scratching, scampering, or gnawing sounds coming from walls, ceilings, attics, or under floors.
- Odor. A strong, musky odor can be a sign of a rodent infestation, particularly if it’s concentrated in specific areas like cabinets or under sinks.
How Magic City Pest Control Can Help With Our Pest Control Service
Exterminators use a variety of effective treatments to get rid of rodents and other pests. Here are some of the common treatment options and methods used by Magic City Pest Control for Helena, AL residents:
- Inspection. We start by conducting a detailed inspection of the property to identify the type of rodent, the extent of the infestation, and the entry points they are using to gain access. We’ll look for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, nests, and tracks.
- Assessment. We’ll assess the damage caused by the rodents and develop a tailored plan to eliminate them.
- Exclusion. One of the first steps in rodent control is sealing any entry points to prevent rodents from entering the building. This may involve caulking cracks, installing door sweeps, or using steel wool to block holes. We may recommend repairing any structural damage caused by rodents to further prevent entry.
- Trapping. These are the traditional spring-loaded traps that kill rodents instantly when triggered. Exterminators often place them in areas with high rodent activity. Glue traps use a sticky surface to catch rodents. They are generally used less frequently because they do not kill the rodent instantly. In cases where the goal is to catch and release, exterminators may use live traps and then release the rodents far from the property.
- Baiting. Exterminators may use rodenticides, which are toxic to rodents, to control the population. The baits are strategically placed in areas where rodents are known to travel, such as along walls or near entry points. Exterminators monitor the bait stations regularly to check for activity and replace bait as needed.
- Professional-grade products. Exterminators have access to professional-grade products that are more effective than those available to the general public. These products are designed to eliminate rodents quickly and efficiently.
- Sanitation. We can advise on how to remove or reduce food and water sources that may be attracting rodents. This could involve proper food storage, removing garbage, and fixing leaks. Also, clearing clutter, debris, and overgrown vegetation around the property can reduce the habitat that rodents use for shelter.
- Monitoring and follow-up. After the initial treatment, we may schedule follow-up visits to ensure that the infestation has been fully eradicated and to reapply treatments if necessary. We’ll provide recommendations for ongoing prevention to avoid future infestations.
Contact Our Helena, AL Pest Control Company Today
It’s important to address rodent issues as soon as you notice them. Mice and rats breed very quickly so without quick extermination, you could end up with a major pest infestation that’s very difficult to control.
Get the help and excellent service you need from Magic City Pest Control. We offer expert rodent control in Helena and the surrounding areas to our customers. Contact us to schedule a rodent inspection today by calling (205) 880-4466 or filling out the online form.