Many people keep mice and rats as pets. However, these rodents are also known as common pests that can cause significant problems in homes, businesses, and agricultural areas.
Rodents may be considered cute by some people, but they are definitely not harmless. Mice and rats are considered pests because they can cause a lot of damage inside a home, particularly health and safety issues. They can multiply quickly, so if you see one or two, you will likely have many more soon.
There are several main types of rodents to be aware of:
- House mouse. The most common mouse, it’s small, nocturnal, and highly adaptable.
- Norway rat. This is a larger, burrowing rat commonly found in sewers and basements.
- Roof rat. Smaller than Norway rats, roof rats are excellent climbers and often nest in attics and upper levels of buildings.
It can be tempting to install mousetraps and use chemicals to get rid of rodents in your home. While these methods may provide temporary relief, mice and rats will return later.
Magic City Pest Control is committed to helping you get rid of rats and mice in your home for good. When you need Meadowbrook rodent control, our team of qualified technicians is ready to help. While we are a fairly new small company (established in 2020), we are an award-winning pest control company in Birmingham. We are quickly expanding our locations and focusing on providing customers with the best routine pest control service in Meadowbrook, AL. Contact a pest control professional today to schedule a consultation to leave your home pest-free. Click here to get a quote.
Signs of a Rodent Pest Infestation in Meadowbrook and Birmingham, AL
Do you have mice or rats in your home or business and need commercial pest control services? Here are some surefire ways to tell:
- Live or dead mice. This is the most obvious sign of a rodent infestation.
- Droppings. You may see small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings in cupboards, pantries, or near food sources.
- Gnaw marks. You may notice chewed wires, furniture, baseboards, or food packaging.
- Nests. You may see shredded paper, fabric, or insulation in hidden areas like behind appliances or in drawers.
- Food tampering. Chewed-open food packages or crumbs may be scattered in unusual places.
- Scratching noises. At night, you may hear scratching noises inside walls, ceilings, or under floors.
- Squeaking. You may hear high-pitched noises from active mice.
- Unusual pet behavior. Dogs or cats may act excited or alert around certain areas.
- Musky odor. You may notice a strong, stale smell from mouse urine.
Dangers of Rodents
Mice and rats may seem small and harmless, but they can pose various dangers, such as the following:
- Disease transmission. Mice and rats can carry and spread harmful diseases, such as hantavirus, salmonella, leptospirosis, and plague.
- Allergens and asthma. The urine, droppings, and dander from rodents can trigger allergies and worsen asthma, especially in children.
- Food contamination. Mice chew through food packaging, contaminating stored food with bacteria and feces.
- Chewing wires. Mice gnaw on electrical wires, increasing the risk of short circuits and house fires.
- Structural damage. They chew through insulation, drywall, and even wooden beams, weakening structures over time.
- Damage to belongings. They shred clothing, furniture, and paper products to build nests.
- Rapid breeding. A single pair of mice can produce dozens of offspring in a short period, leading to a full-blown infestation quickly.
- Difficult to eradicate. Mice are clever at finding food and shelter, making it challenging to eliminate them completely without professional help.
How to Prevent a Rodent Infestation
Preventing a rodent infestation requires a combination of tactics. Here’s what you can do:
- Block entry points. Seal any gaps or holes larger than ¼ inch with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh. Install door sweeps on exterior doors. Cover vents and chimneys with mesh screens. Repair cracks in walls and foundations caused by a large infestation.
- Eliminate food sources. Store human food and pet food in airtight containers. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately. Take out the trash regularly and keep bins sealed. Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
- Reduce nesting areas. Declutter storage spaces, garages, and basements. Trim bushes and trees away from your house. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home.
- Use natural and chemical deterrents. Peppermint oil, cloves, and ammonia can be used to repel rodents depending on the infestation size. Ultrasonic rodent repellents may also be helpful.
- Conduct regular inspections. Check for droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting materials. Listen for scratching noises in walls or ceilings at night. If you spot signs of rodents, act quickly. Contact a professional pest control company as soon as possible.
How Pest Control Service from Magic City Pest Control Can Help
It only takes a few months for a pair of mice or rats to multiply into dozens or husbands. Treating your infestation will become even more difficult. For rat control that’s guaranteed, skip the store-bought repellents and contact Magic City Pest Control.
We understand what it takes to get rid of rodents and make sure they never come back through our effective method. We know that store-bought repellents simply don’t work. Our team will inspect your home for rodent entry points and seal them to keep mice and rats from getting in. We’ll place wooden snap traps and tamper-proof bait stations in attics, basements, and other areas of your home where rodents live and hide. We can also use live traps to collect and remove rodents from your property.
For the best Meadowbrook rodent control, contact Magic City Pest Control. Our rat exterminator service guarantees that we’ll get rid of your rodent infestation for good. If you still have pest problems after we’ve treated the problem, contact us right away and we’ll make it right with our pest removal.
Contact Us Today
Mice and rats can cause a lot of problems for a home or business. Protect yourself and get peace of mind with the best rodent control and effective pest control around.
Magic City Pest Control is your go-to company for Meadowbrook rodent control for your rodent problem. We use high quality products and effective application methods to get rid of rodents and other pests for good. Contact us today to learn more about our exceptional service. To schedule an inspection, go online or call (205) 880-4466.