rodent control

Rodents are a serious problem for homeowners and one that happens over and over again. Of the pest issues that repeatedly occur, mice and rat infestations are among the worst. Set as many traps as you want; they keep returning or are not entirely gone. 

In Chicago and the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area, populations have been climbing at an alarming rate, and that’s part of the problem, too. Why? Many experts point to global warming trends as the culprit. As the world warms up, rodents live longer and breed more prolifically. Is Healthline right in calling this the Ratpocalypse? We certainly hope not, but it’s clear that it is time to take an in-depth look at the many dangers of infestations and what we can do to stop them. 

Diseases Carried By Rodents

Mice and rats carry over 35 diseases that are transferable to humans, such as Leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, HPS, plague, and many more. Add to that vermin like lice, fleas, and ticks. Some of the worst epidemics in history can be traced back to these pests. Rodents are contaminators, defecating everywhere, infiltrating our food supplies, and turning our favorite snacks into containers of illness.

Destruction Caused By Rodents

Mice and rats are nonstop chewers. They gnaw on cords and wires, chew holes through woodwork and walls, rip up insulation, and destroy our belongings with alarming frequency. Even when rodents aren’t making you sick, they are causing structural damage.

But Why Do Rodents Choose Our Homes? 

Do you sometimes find yourself wondering why they keep coming back? Maybe you have a cat, set traps, or baited them with poison in the past. Still, like clockwork, mice and rats roll the dice and turn up again. The truth is that your home is an irresistible attraction. It’s got water, abundant food, warmth, shelter, and many places to hide. Does convenience, greed, or a demanding appetite compel them to return? Or all three? A rat needs to consume as much as 10% of its body weight daily. and for a mouse, it’s 15%.

Things You Can Do To Avoid A Rodent Infestation

As tricky as a rodent infestation can be to eliminate by yourself, there are some things you can do to lessen the attraction. Change how you store your food products and opt for the packaging they have difficulty getting into, such as hard-sided containers with tight-fitting lids. Don’t leave fruit, snacks, or accessible food where they can get to it, like your trash, pet food, and what’s in your sink. Will a mouse lick your dirty dishes? You bet. 

An Even Better Solution

Another important thing you can do is change how you react when you do discover or suspect that you have a rodent problem. Forget those traps and that over-the-counter bait. They need to work better; those tactics fail and can worsen an infestation. Your best option is professional pest control, and your best choice in Chicago or Hampton Roads is Tonys Pest Killers.

Tonys Pest Killers prides itself on its effective methods and smart, affordable solutions. We have the best tools in the business to tackle your problem, and we offer customized, comprehensive services, including maintenance, remediation, and great prevention plans like exclusion. So, how can we assist you? When you are ready to get started, the end to your rodent problem is just a click away. Contact us today.