The Problem With DIY Rodent Control In Western Massachusetts

Have you seen a big, fat rat scampering through your yard at dusk? It wouldn't be surprising. Norway rats are common in our Western Massachusetts service area. So are the slightly smaller, black rats that can be seen climbing trees or running along rooflines. Those rats are called roof rats. And rats aren't the only rodents that give us trouble. House mice and deer mice can find their way into sheds, barns, garages, and homes in Western Mass. If you have rodents infesting your property, it is likely that you have one or the other. Mice and rats rarely infest a structure together. This is helpful to know if you're trying to address a rodent infestation. Many residents try to get rid of rats with things that work on mice, or vice versa. This is one of many ways DIY rodent control can fail. Here are a few more to consider.

1. More Rodents Can Come In

When Western Massachusetts residents try to get rid of rodents, they often forget this very important fact. More rodents can come in to replace any rodents you trap. If you don't seal entry points in your exterior, you're not going to correct your infestation.

2. Rodents Are Smart. Really Smart.

These animals can tell when something doesn't smell right. If you have any success getting rid of mice or rats in your property, you're likely to alert the others without realizing it. If you do, they'll avoid your control products.

3. Rodents Are Wired To Avoid Traps

• Rats are cautious of anything new that is put in their environment and will avoid traps efficiently.

• Mice are curious about new things, but they're cautious when they approach food. A mouse can eat the bait right off the latch of a trap without setting it off.

• Rats and mice can smell you on traps if you don't use gloves. If they do, they're likely to avoid the traps.

• Rats and mice don't travel in open spaces, they stay along walls. You won't have much success putting traps around a room.

4. Home Remedies Rarely Work

There is a lot of advice on the internet from people who think they've had success getting rid of rodents. They pass this knowledge on to you in good confidence, without realizing that they still have a rodent problem. It is difficult to know which tips are genuine and which are not. We recommend only listening to what educated pest professionals have to say.

5. Rodent Control Is Hard Work

It doesn't take only know-how to capture and remove rodents, it takes energy. After a long day at work, who has the energy to stay on top of rodent control and make sure every rodent has been captured and removed?

What Happens When Rodent Control Fails

Mice and rats can live in your home without making a single noise that will alert you to their presence. If you try to get rid of them and think you've succeeded, they can continue to plague you with mysterious health issues, and continue to damage your property. Some common ways they harm health and property are:

• Rodents pick up harmful organisms from dumpsters, sewers and other dirty places and bring them into food cabinets, pantries, food-storage areas, dish cabinets, and more.

• Rodents leave droppings and urine where they live and explore.

• Rodents pick up ticks, fleas, and other parasites when foraging outside. These bugs have a long list of diseases associated with them.

• Rodents create holes in the exterior of man-made structures. This lets other pests in. It lets water in. And it lets heat out.

• Rodents damage stored furniture when they nest inside.

• Rodents damage many things in storage as they hunt for building materials for their nests.

• Rodents damage food packages and empty the contents out onto shelves and floors.

• Rodents chew on wires and gas lines. This can cause a fire.

The Best Way To Control Rodents

If you live in Western Massachusetts, don't take risks with your health and property. Contact American Pest Solutions for effective rodent control. We use advanced technologies and field-tested strategies to resolve rodent problems. You won't have to wonder if any rodents are left lurking inside the walls of your home. Reach out to us today for immediate assistance with your rodent problem.