Iowa's Ongoing Rodent Problem. Are You At Risk? (Infographic)
January 11, 2019
Throughout the year many homeowners all around Iowa encounter unwanted guests through rat and mice infestations. Regardless of living in industrial or rural areas, your home is not exempt from this potential problem. Iowa mice exterminators get numerous calls for rat removal and rodent control services, especially during the winter months. With both rats and mice breeding year round and producing eight or more litters throughout the year, immediately taking care of the situation is key.
How to Spot a Mice Infestation
When it comes to mice infestations, there are two specific types that tend to cause issues for homeowners: field mice and the house mouse. Field mice tend to be found in more rural homes, whereas the house mouse is found more commonly in areas consisting of many buildings. The key difference between these two types of mice is that field mice search for homes in the early fall and winter when they're looking for shelter from cold Iowa weather, whereas house mice enjoy cozy areas within the home, such as behind appliances and behind walls throughout the year.
Signs you need to call a mice exterminator:
When do you need rat removal?
There is one specific type of rat that tends to cause the most problems for homeowners: the Norway/brown rat. The Norway rat is most common in dense areas and can burrow up to 18 inches below ground.
Signs you need to call a rat exterminator:
- 1/2 - 3/4 inch droppings
- Presence of burrows or holes in baseboards and door frames
- Traffic patterns and trails of food or nesting debris
Possible Health Issues Caused by Rat or Mice Infestations
When it comes to unwanted rodents entering your home, many homeowners are unaware of the possible diseases and infections that could come with rat and/or mice. The most common problems consist of food contamination from their urine and feces. Rodents can carry and spread over 35 diseases directly and indirectly.
Directly:
- Infected urine or feces
- Bites
- Saliva
Indirectly:
- Fleas
- Mites
- Ticks
- Hair and Dander
Along with the possibilities of spreading disease through direct and indirect contact, many of us can also see other health issues, such as:
- Allergies
- Rat bite fever
- Lyme disease
- Leptospirosis
- Relapsing fever
- And many more diseases!
Getting Rid of Rats and Mice
For effective mice or rat removal, it is crucial to find and eliminate food and shelter spaces. Here are possible suggestions to prevent this situation from happening in your home:
- Clean your kitchen with diluted bleach solutions to get rid of any scent trails that could be present. Storing food in sealed glass, metal, or plastic containers will help keep rodents out of the kitchen as well.
- Try to avoid storing pet or human food outside. If it is kept in a basement or garage, make sure to place it in secure glass, plastic, or metal containers. When feeding animals, keep their food inside and clean up when done - our our rat exterminators can confirm that pet food is a common food source in the home for rodents.
- Clear brush and debris within 18 inches of your home or building to prevent the opportunity for rodents to seek shelter below the debris. Keeping this area clear will also expose possible entry points that need to be sealed.
- Rid your home of any indoor mouse nesting spaces, such as books, clothing, boxes, or bags.
Des Moines Rodent Control Company
As many of us are aware, rodents can be a threat to our health as well as affect our economic and physical well-being. Let our rodent control company keep you and your loved ones safe by scheduling an appointment online today to make sure your home is protected throughout the year! For further insight or questions, don't hesitate to call us at (515) 415-5550!
To make sure your home is protected from mice, rats and other pests throughout the year, sign up for our Groundforce Pest Prevention services.
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