Navigating Nuisance Rodents: Rodent Control in Baton Rouge Homes

Here in Baton Rouge, it’s no secret that owning a home isn’t always easy—between mortgage payments, utilities, and routine maintenance, the expenses and chores on your to-do list can really add up.

But something no homeowner should have to deal with is the damages caused by nuisance rodents. Not only can they cause structural damage to your home, but they can also spread disease and contaminate your food. If you’re dealing with a rodent infestation, you’re not alone. 

Ready to learn more about Baton Rouge rodent control – and how a professional rodent extermination company might be able to help? Keep reading to learn more!

What Are Some Signs of a Rodent Infestation?

Rodents are troublesome pests that can leave severe damage to your home, wiring, and insulation. In addition to the monetary damage, rodents can cause health problems to your family through contamination, making it crucial to identify and eradicate them. 

Here are some of the signs that indicate a rodent infestation in your home.

Droppings

Rodent droppings are one of the most notable signs of their presence. If you are spotting small, brown or black, and oval-shaped droppings in your living spaces, this should sound concern. Rats are known to excrete up to forty times a day, while mice droppings are smaller and scattered throughout the floor. 

Check areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and under sinks, and any other possible locations that can provide food and water sources.

Gnaw Marks

Most rodents are renowned for their penchant for gnawing. They will gnaw through anything in your home that they perceive as food, shelter, or safety. Gnaw marks on wood, insulation, or electrical wires are the most visible indicators of a rodent infestation. 

Rats’ teeth grow extremely fast and need constant gnawing to keep them consistently sharp and filed down to prevent overgrowth. Chewed electrical wires can lead to power outages or even a fire outbreak.

Chewed Wires

As mentioned earlier, rodents chew through everything in their path, including electrical wires. The metallic makeup of wires entices rodents that are attracted to metal sources for their teeth health. 

Suppose you are noticing flickering light bulbs, non-functional outlets, or tripping circuits often. In that case, the issue could be rodents; chewed wires are a serious safety concern in addition to the monetary damage.

Scratching Noises

Rodents are active mostly at night, and if you can hear strange noises such as scratching, gnawing, or scurrying in the walls or ceilings, it is probably not ghosts (fun fact – if you hear noises during the day, it most likely is squirrels).

Mice are known to make a higher-pitched sound than rats, and the sound of rodents moving on insulation may resemble a light rustle. Keep your ears out for sounds occurring mostly in the early hours of the morning or late at night when rodents are the most active.

Unpleasant Smell

As rodents are known to die in small areas of your home, a foul odor may be an indicator of a dead rat or mouse. Dead rodents produce a pungent smell of decay as their bodies decompose, which can be unbearable.

In addition to the smell, this also attracts other pests and insects that are attracted to dead bodies.

Baton Rouge Rodent Control Tips

Whether it’s a mouse, rat, or something else, rodents can cause serious damage to your home and health. Not only do they chew through cables and wires, but they also spread diseases. 

Here are some tips to get them under control for good. 

Seal Entry Points

One of the first things you need to do to keep rodents out of your home is to block all their entry points. These creatures can squeeze through small holes – smaller than you might think, in fact. 

Check for gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and cracks in the foundation. Seal any holes using caulk, steel wool, or weather stripping. Make sure that your screens are tight-fitting with no holes. Don’t forget to look up as well. Check that the attic vents are secure and in good condition. Look for small holes or gaps near the roof eaves and rafters

Keep Your Home Clean

Rodents are attracted to food and water sources. Therefore, it is necessary to keep your home clean. 

Clean up any crumbs or spills immediately. Vacuum regularly and dispose of trash in sealed containers. Store food in airtight containers, and keep your kitchen free from dirty dishes. Repair any leaky pipes or faucets

Landscape Your Yard

Rodents are less likely to invade your home if your yard is well-maintained. Keep shrubs and trees trimmed away from your home at least 3 feet, and remove any piled-up debris. Rats and mice love to nest in unkept areas. Clear out piles of leaves, compost, or firewood. Consider installing gravel or rock beds to keep rodents out.

What to Do if You’re Dealing With Rodents

The first step in solving any problem is to identify what you’re dealing with. When it comes to rodents, there are all kinds of different types – mice, rats, squirrels, and voles – each requiring different approaches in pest control service. Once you’ve identified the type of rodent, you can find the most efficient pest control solution for your situation.

Then, one of the most direct ways of dealing with rodents is to trap them. There are several types of traps on the market, including snap traps, glue traps, and live traps- something to suit everyone’s preference and need. You can also use humane methods like catch-and-release traps to capture the rodents without harming them. 

Place the traps near areas where you have seen the rodents or along their usual pathways. Check them regularly and dispose of the dead rodents.

But sometimes, despite your best efforts, rodents might still persist. In such cases, it’s best to call in the experts. Professional pest control services have the tools, equipment, and expertise to handle any rodent infestation. They’ll assess your situation, determine the type of rodent you’re dealing with, and come up with an effective pest control solution.

Looking for Baton Rouge Rodent Control?

If you’re on the hunt for the best Baton Rouge rodent control service, it might be time to give a professional rodent extermination company like Hawx a call.

When it comes to rodent problems, prevention is the first (and most important) step to take. 

Make sure your home is kept clutter-free, tidy, and well-ventilated. But if unwanted visitors do find their way into your home, it’s always best to contact a trusted professional pest control service like Hawx Pest Control. 

Our experts will inspect your home, recommend targeted treatment options, and help prevent the problem from recurring. 

Contact Hawx Pest Control and join our growing family of satisfied customers today.