Mice and rats are not the cute and cuddly cartoon characters you often see on TV. These rodents are nasty, unclean, and potentially dangerous to humans. Mice and rats are far from harmless. They can contaminate your food and living spaces, spread diseases, and make you and your family seriously ill.
Rodents are not something you want to have in your home. It’s important to address rodent issues as soon as you notice them because rats and mice breed very quickly. Without quick extermination from a pest control professional, you could end up with a major pest infestation that is very difficult to control on your own.
Have a rodent issue? Choose a provider who uses high-quality products and effective application methods to control rodents, like roof rats. Choose a company that is observant and intentional with every service. Choose Magic City Pest Control for rodent control services in Hoover, AL.
Pest control is serious business. At Magic City Pest Control, we want you to live pest-free. We’ll use various strategies to ensure we remove and eradicate all or most rodents and pests and that they don’t return. You don’t need to live with mice and rats any longer. Get a quote today to learn more about our services and prices from our mice exterminator in Hoover, Alabama.
Dangers of Rodents in Hoover, AL
Rodents pose various dangers to protect humans, pets, and property. Here’s a breakdown of the rodent problems and the risks they bring:
- Health risks and diseases. Rodents can spread disease, either through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or their droppings. Hantavirus is spread through inhaling dust from droppings or urine of infected rodents. Leptospirosis is transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated by rodent urine. Salmonella contaminates food, leading to food poisoning in human health. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis can be transmitted through exposure to saliva, urine, or droppings. It is especially dangerous to pregnant women.
- Structural damage. Rodents have sharp teeth that continuously grow, prompting them to gnaw on materials. They chew on electrical wiring, creating a fire hazard. They also cause wood and insulation damage, as they destroy walls, furniture, and insulation while building nests.
- Contamination. Droppings and urine from mice and rats can spoil food supplies and damage storage areas.
- Allergic reactions and asthma. Rodent droppings, dander, and urine can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma, especially in children.
- Crop and garden damage. Rodents can devastate crops, gardens, and stored grains. Rats and mice are particularly troublesome in agricultural settings, damaging food supplies and reducing yields.
- Rapid breeding. Rodents reproduce quickly, making infestations challenging to control in their natural habitats. A small rodent problem can escalate into a significant infestation within weeks if left unaddressed.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation in Hoover, AL
Here are key signs that indicate the presence of rodent activity in your home:
- Droppings. You may see small, dark pellets found in kitchens, pantries, drawers, or along walls. Mouse droppings are typically about the size of a grain of rice, while rat droppings can be up to ½ inch long.
- Gnaw marks and damage. Rodents chew to file down their teeth, which never stop growing. You may see chewed wires, wooden furniture, insulation, or food packaging.
- Nests and shredded materials. Rodents build nests using paper, fabric, leaves, or insulation. You may find these in hidden places like attics, wall cavities, and under appliances.
- Noises at night. Mice and rats are nocturnal, so you’re more likely to hear them after dark. You may hear scratching, squeaking, or scampering sounds coming from walls, ceilings, or under floors.
- Strong odors. If a rodent has died, the decomposing body produces a foul odor. You may notice a stale, musty smell from urine or nesting materials.
How to Prevent Rodent Infestations
Nobody wants mice and rats in their home or yard. Here are some tips to remove rodents and keep them out for good:
- Seal entry points. Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces under 1/2 inch. Check for cracks and holes around doors, windows, foundations, and walls. Use steel wool or wire mesh to block holes. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and seal garage doors with weather stripping. Ensure vent covers and screens are intact.
- Maintain proper sanitation. Rodents are attracted to food, water, and shelter. Minimizing these makes your space less appealing. Store food in airtight containers. Do the same for pet food and birdseed. Clean crumbs and spills immediately, especially in kitchens and dining areas. Regularly empty trash bins, using bins with tight-fitting lids. Avoid leaving pet food or water out overnight.
- Eliminate water sources. Rodents need water to survive, so removing access will deter them. Fix leaky faucets or pipes and eliminate standing water. Keep gutters and downspouts clear to prevent pooling. Avoid overwatering outdoor areas, as excess moisture attracts rodents.
- Declutter storage areas. Rodents seek cluttered spaces for hiding and nesting. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house and keep it off the ground. Organize basements, attics, and garages, using plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes. Keep vegetation trimmed away from your home’s exterior.
- Use rodent deterrents. Some substances and tools can make your home less attractive to rodents. Use natural repellents such as peppermint oil, cloves, or cayenne pepper at entry points. Ultrasonic repellents devices emit high-frequency sounds to deter rodents. Avoid dense shrubs near the foundation and use gravel barriers to discourage burrowing.
- Monitor for signs of activity. Regular monitoring helps catch problems before they become infestations. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or nests in hidden areas. Check attics, crawlspaces, and basements regularly. Set snap traps or glue traps as early detection tools, especially near walls.
- Consider professional pest control. When all else fails, a professional exterminator can identify vulnerabilities in your home and apply bait stations and traps effectively. They can also provide routine inspections to prevent future issues.
Contact Us Today for Rodent and Pest Control Services in Hoover, AL
If you’ve noticed a rodent or two in your yard or home, it’s important to call a professional exterminator as soon as you can to implement our prevention methods. It only takes a few months for a pair of mice or rats to multiply into dozens more, and at that stage, treating your infestation will become even more difficult. For rat control that’s guaranteed, skip the store-bought repellents and contact an extermination company that will eliminate your mouse and rat problem permanently.
For the best rodent control in Hoover, get the help you need from the team at Magic City Pest Control. We’ll keep you, your family, and your pets safe from the dangers of rodents. Contact us online or call (205) 880-4466 to learn more or schedule an inspection.