Nobody wants to deal with pests in their home, mainly because they cause significant risks to their home and loved ones' health and safety. Rodents are common intruders in Sonoma County and pose many dangers. Rodents are mammals that belong to the order Rodentia and include mice, rats, squirrels, gophers, and more. Due to their continuously growing teeth, rodents are well-known for gnawing and chewing. The most common rodents that homeowners will encounter are various species of mice and rats, though squirrels, gophers, and other larger-sized rodents will occasionally invade human structures. If you suspect a rodent infestation, contact a Sonoma County pest control professional immediately.
How To Tell If It's Rodents Scurrying Around Your House
Rodents can wreak havoc in your home when they are left unchecked. Scavengers are always looking for resources; they can destroy your food, chew through your walls and even gnaw the insulation of your electrical wires to get what they need. It's critical to you and the safety of your loved ones to pay attention to the signs of rats in your Sonoma County home before it is too late. So, what are some of the signs that you have rodents in your home? The things that can alert you to a rodent infestation include:
- Gnaw marks
- Nests or burrows
- Rodent droppings
- Scurrying noises
- Grease marks
- An actual rodent (dead or alive)
- Tampered food
- Foul smells
- Unusual pet activity
- Footprints
If you notice any of these signs, contact the professionals at California Exterminators Alliance to handle the infestation today.
How Dangerous Is It To Have Rodents On My Property?
The front-most teeth of rodents are known as incisors and rarely stop developing. To ensure they are functional and sharp, they must consistently bite and chew on items. They can cause harm to furnishings, gnaw through electrical wires, destroy storage materials, stored items in the home and various ductwork, and chew insulation. As a result, rodents are a potential fire hazard. Mice and rats are the culprits of many house fires as they will cause damage to the wires and insulation, resulting in hazardous wiring sparks and overheating. Rodents also deposit urine and feces along their paths, contaminating food and posing significant health risks to animals and humans. Having rodents in your home can make you sick, as they are well-known for bringing infections into homes. They can spread diseases like hantavirus and tularemia through urine, saliva, and rodent feces. They can also get in other pests, such as lice, fleas, and ticks, exposing you and your loved ones to even more diseases and pathogens through indirect transmission. The most typical way for people to become ill due to rodent encounters is to eat contaminated food.
How To Make Your Property Less Inviting To Rodents
The good news is there are a few simple steps to make your home less inviting and more challenging for rodents to access. Some of these rodent prevention tips include:
- Remove places to hide.
- Remove water sources.
- Remove food sources.
- Seal up your home.
- Keep your home clean.
- Remove water sources
Rodents can find their way into your home in various ways, including under a garage door that doesn't have a good seal, chewing a hole in water-softened wood under the back porch, or through a crawl space. Rodents can get in through gaps or cracks in the foundation, open cellar windows, chimney openings, or vents.
Call The Pros At The First Sign Of Rodents Around Your House
When you welcome visitors into your home, you expect a certain etiquette. Unfortunately, rodents are unwelcome house guests that will damage your personal belongings, spread bacteria, and destroy the structural integrity of your home. At California Exterminators Alliance, we offer long-term protection from mice, rats, and other common area pests. Whatever pest problem you might be dealing with, a professional pest control program from our local experts is guaranteed to get the job done. Contact California Exterminators Alliance today and get started with home pest control and commercial pest control solutions you can count on!