Rodent Rampage: Dealing with Rat and Mouse Infestations in Orlando Homes

Rodent Rampage: Dealing with Rat and Mouse Infestations in Orlando Homes

Rodents pose a significant threat to homeowners, and it’s not uncommon to find rats or mice infesting homes in Orlando. 

So are rats dangerous? What about mice? 

The short answer is yes. Rats and mice alike are known to cause extensive damage to structures by gnawing on wood, electrical wires, and pipes. These pesky critters also pose health hazards as they are capable of transmitting diseases through their feces, urine, and bite. 

Here are some tips for dealing with rodents of all kinds in Florida – and some key tips for Orlando rodent control, no matter how large or small your infestation might be.

Are Rats Dangerous?

Rats and mice may seem cute when they’re running around in movies or cartoons – who doesn’t love Mickey Mouse, the unofficial mascot of Orlando himself? – but in real life, they can pose a serious threat to both humans and the environment. These pests are notorious for carrying diseases, contaminating food, and causing property damage, making them a problem that should not be taken lightly. 

Many homeowners believe that a few rats or mice in their home or backyard are no big deal, but this can lead to a full-blown infestation that poses a serious threat.

One of the biggest dangers of a rat or mouse infestation is their potential to spread dangerous diseases to humans. Rats and mice carry diseases such as Salmonella, Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, and others which can be transmitted to humans through contact with feces, urine, blood, and saliva. 

Not only that, but rats and mice are often hosts to fleas and ticks which can further spread disease. These pests can also contaminate food and water supplies, increasing the likelihood of contamination and the potential for human infection.

In addition to the health risks described above, rats and mice can cause significant property damage in a short amount of time. These pests gnaw on cables, drywall, insulation, furnishings,and other materials. This can cause serious structural damage and increase the risk of electrical fires. A rodent infestation can even cause damage to plumbing systems, as well as HVAC and other mechanical systems, resulting in costly repairs.

Common Signs of a Rat or Mouse Problem

Now that you know how dangerous a rat or mouse infestation can be, here are some of the common signs of a rat or mouse problem that you should be aware of.

Droppings

If you have a rat or mouse infestation, you will likely start to see droppings around the area. These pests leave droppings where they eat, sleep, and travel. 

The droppings of rats and mice are easily distinguishable. They are small in size and oval-shaped. Rats leave longer droppings than the mouse’s, which is shorter.

Gnaw Marks

By their very nature, rats and mice love to gnaw on things. They do this to keep their teeth sharp and to create entry points for themselves. If you notice chew marks on furniture, wires, or even on the walls – this is a clear indication of a rodent problem.

Strange Noises or Sightings

One of the most obvious signs of a rodent problem is the strange noises that they make. If you hear scratching, scurrying or gnawing noises coming from the walls or ceilings normally at night, it’s highly possible that you have a rat or mouse infestation.

And if you see one of these animals? There’s likely more than just one hanging around your house.

Urine Stains

Rats and mice also leave distinct urine odors and stains. These pests have strong urine odors which can be easy to notice when you have an infestation. The urine stains and smells are most visible and smelly near entry points and where they have nested.

Finding Nesting Materials or Piles

Rats and mice like to make their nest in warm, cozy, and dark places. Those places are mostly in attics, basements, or crawl spaces. 

When they start nesting, they create piles of materials such as paper, fabric, insulation, and more. These piles can be an indication that they have been nesting in that area.

Top Orlando Rodent Control Tips

Now that you know the problems with rodents and how to spot the signs of an infestation, what can you do about it? Here are some tips.

Seal Entry Points

Your first line of defense against rodents is preventing them from entering your home. Inspect all exterior walls, foundations, and vents to ensure they are sealed and in good condition. Mice can fit through a hole that is less than 1/16 inch in diameter, so be sure to fill any cracks or holes you find with caulk or foam.

Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free

Rodents are attracted to dirty, cluttered homes as they provide plenty of food and nesting material. 

Keep your home clean and tidy by regularly wiping counters, sweeping floors, and vacuuming carpets. Dispose of your trash regularly, and store food in airtight containers. 

Also, declutter your home by getting rid of any unnecessary items or boxes as they can serve as breeding grounds for rodents.

Use Traps and Baits

Rodent traps and baits are useful tools in controlling rodent populations in and around your home. Snap traps work by killing rodents instantly, while glue traps capture them alive and must be disposed of safely. Rodent baits are also effective and can be placed in enclosed tamper-resistant stations in areas where rodents frequent. 

However, be sure to keep these baits and traps out of the reach of children and pets to prevent accidental poisoning.

Hire a Professional Pest Control Service

If your rodent infestation is severe or persistent, then it’s time to call in the professionals. A licensed pest control service like Hawx will help you identify the root of the problem and develop a personalized treatment plan to get rid of rodents from your home.

When to Call an Exterminator for Help

Rodent infestations can cause major property damage – and they pose some serious health hazards to homeowners. Engaging in preventative measures and seeking help from a pest control service when necessary is crucial in keeping your home rodent-free. 

Hawx Pest Control is committed to providing reliable and effective pest control services to our customers. Contact Haw today to learn more about available services – and become part of our satisfied family of customers here in Orlando.