No one wants to face the possibility that they have a mouse in their house, but as the changing season brings cooling temperatures they will be looking for a warm place to sleep, eat, and raise their young. Make sure that your home doesn’t become theirs.

If you’ve seen one mouse, he’s not alone.

If you actually see a mouse or rat in your home, don’t celebrate too quickly thinking that it’s just one. The chances are excellent that he is actually one of many. For the one mouse that you do see, there are usually many that you don’t see so plan your rat and mouse elimination methods accordingly.

Know the signs of a mouse house invasion.

Even if you haven’t actually seen a mouse, you could see the telltale signs you have a mouse in the house. Some things to look for:

• Mouse or rat droppings
• Chewed food packaging in your pantry or cabinets
• Scratching or squeaking in the walls
• Chewed debris, paper, boxes
• Nests in furniture, inside mattresses, or in boxes or chests

Prevention is your best defense.

The best way to get rid of mice and rats is to keep them from getting into your house in the first place. While a clean house won’t keep mice out, a cluttered, dirty house (and cluttered yard) will attract them. The main way to prevent mice and rats is to seal their access points. Remember, a mouse can get through a crack or opening that is a quarter of an inch. In other words, if you can fit a pencil through it, a mouse can fit his body through it. Seal openings around doors, windows, walls, and the foundation with caulking or steel wool.

Learn mouse trap best practices.

Mouse traps can work in some cases – if you know how to use them correctly. If you decide to use mouse traps, employ these best practices:

• Use several types of traps: snap traps, glue boards, bait stations, etc.
• Use good bait: peanut butter, oatmeal, dried fruit, bacon, etc. (if food doesn’t work, try nesting material like feathers, cotton, or paper)
• Tie the bait to the trigger with dental floss or fishing line.
• Place traps near nesting areas or food sources, next to the wall so that the trigger faces the baseboard.

Know when to call a professional.

Sometimes your rodent problem is just too big to handle yourself. Sometimes you need to call in a professional. Mouse and rat infestations can be not only destructive to your home, but can be a health hazard as well. If your efforts don’t seem to be working or they aren’t working as quickly as you would like, don’t hesitate to call a Houston rodent control company.

At Preventive Pest Control we know what bugs you and we are experts at getting rid of mice, rats, and other household pests. Give us a call today to schedule a free inspection and we’ll have one of our experienced, qualified technicians assess your property and home to determine the extent of your rodent problem. Then we’ll work with you to find the best way to get rid of your rats and mice – and keep them away.