Six Easy & Effective Rodent Control Tips For Bay Area Properties

There are rodents that like living with you and there are rodents that don't. There is also one common rodent that is a little bit of both. A few rodents that don't prefer to live with you are groundhogs, meadow voles, and chipmunks. Squirrels sometimes get into homes, but they don't really prefer to live with you either. The common rodents we find in Bay Area homes are mice and rats. But, even these two vary depending on the species. House mice love living in houses, and have more than earned their name. Deer mice, on the other hand, would rather live in a shed, barn, or outbuilding. You probably won't have too much trouble with these tawny and white mice in your home. Roof rats are common invaders because they like to live in trees—and your home is just a big tree to them. Norway rats are unique among rodents in that they prefer to live outside in the ground but are able to do very well as indoor animals. So, they're a little bit of both. When you set yourself to considering how to get rid of rodents in your Bay Area home, you need to consider what type of rodent is creating an issue for you. That is tip number one. And, that's where we are going to start our conversation.

Tip 1: Identification

Why is it important to know whether a rodent prefers to be outside? Because your control strategy needs to take into consideration a few key points.

Outdoor Rodents

It is fairly easy to address rodents that don't prefer to live in your home. If you restrict food sources on the inside, and seal exterior entry points, you can drive them out and keep them out.

Indoor Rodents

If you have house mice or roof rats in your home, it is going to be more difficult to drive them out. It isn't impossible, but the task can be overwhelming. You have to starve these rodents and drive them into a state of torpor over and over again. More than this, you have to keep them from going outside to get food and coming back in. It can be quite a job.

Tip 2: How To Remove Food Sources

There are many ways a rodent can get a bite to eat in your home. Mice need crumbs and morsels. Rodents need food that is more substantial than this. Use these methods to remove food options:

• Store your foods in sealed containers—even dry dog food.
• Keep your home as clean as possible.
• Deep clean around and underneath appliances in your kitchen.
• Keep your trash in covered containers and remove it routinely.
• Refrain from leaving dirty dishes overnight.
• Put fruit in the fridge.
• Lay food down for your pets only during meal times, and refrain from leaving it overnight.

Tip 3: Remove Water Sources

Water sources aren't as important as food sources, but they bear mentioning. Water is a building block of life. Be sure to fix any plumbing issues inside your home, and refrain from leaving water down for your pets.

Tip 4: How To Apply Exclusions

Mice and rats can get into your home through tiny gaps near the ground, or vulnerabilities on your roof. When considering exclusion, you need to address your entire home.

• Seal gaps around exterior doors and windows.
• Seal cracks in your foundation.
• Seal around water mains and other plumbing.
• Repair seals around roof penetrations.
• Limit access to your roof by trimming branches near your home and by putting wire mesh in the downspouts of your gutter system.

Tip 5: Exterior Habitat Alterations 

Mice and rats prefer dense vegetation and lots of objects to hide under. When rodents leave your home, or come to enter your home for the first time, you may be able to send them away by changing a few things.

• Trim your landscaping.
• Remove clutter.
• Move woodpiles, construction materials, leaves, and other organic materials.
• Remove any potential food sources, such as open trash or birdseed, and be sure to keep your grill clean if you have one. 

When It Is Time To Call A Professional

Indoor rodents are more difficult to control. If you have house mice or roof rats, or an unusual Norway rat problem, it is best to have a licensed pest management professional create a treatment strategy to trap and remove the rodents from your home. While trapping can seem straightforward, it is far from it. Mice and rats have natural behavior patterns and a high intelligence that work together to help them avoid traps.

If you live in the Bay Area, and you're having trouble with rodents, reach out to Bay Pest for assistance. We can guide you toward the right solution for your specific needs. We understand the rodents that are infesting your property.