After a long, hot summer, many Akron residents welcome the change of season with open arms. But as temperatures cool, rodents start searching for a warm place to spend the winter, preferably with access to food and water. Whether you suspect these pests are already hiding behind your walls or you are looking to prevent them, this guide is for you.
We’ll explain the most common types of rodents that invade local residences and review the risks they pose to your health and home. We’ll also provide a few exclusion tips to help you keep these pests outside where they belong. Continue reading to learn how to achieve successful rodent control in your Akron home with Epcon Lane.
The Most Common Types Of Rodents
If you notice signs of rodent activity around your house, rats and mice are the most likely culprits. These rodents are commensal, which means they have come to associate people and our homes with a safe place to live, eat, and breed. While they can be a problem any time of year, rodent encounters tend to increase in the fall as outdoor food sources diminish.
The first indications of a problem are typically hearing scratching sounds in the walls or ceiling, finding damaged food packages, or seeing a rodent scurrying out of sight. The following list describes the most common types of rodents we find in Akron homes:
- Field mice (aka deer mice) are 5 to 8 inches long, including the tail, and have brown bodies with white undersides and feet.
- House mice are around 2 to 4 inches long, not including the tail, and are dusty gray and cream-colored undersides.
- Norway rats are 7 to 9 1/2 inches long, not including the tail, have coarse brown fur interspersed with black hairs, and have gray or white undersides.
Whether you see an actual rodent or signs that point to an infestation, it is crucial to get these pests out as soon as possible. Contact us at Epcon Lane for help eliminating rodents and preventing them from getting back inside.
Rodents Can Spread Disease And Damage Property
Rodents are one of the most dangerous pests that invade homes. These animals contaminate your food and surfaces with bacteria, spreading several diseases, including jaundice, rat-bite fever, hantavirus, and tularemia. Their droppings and urine can also cause year-round allergies and asthma attacks.
Rodents in the attic or walls destroy insulation, contaminating it with their waste, and they can gnaw their way through pipes, drywall, and electrical wires, creating a fire hazard. Contact us at Epcon Lane for assistance eliminating these hazardous pests and protecting your family from their risks.
Four Simple Yet Effective Rodent Exclusion Tips
After we eliminate your infestation, it is time to take steps to ensure they can’t get back inside. The key to rodent prevention is eliminating any potential entryways. Here are four simple rodent exclusion tips to help keep these pests out:
- Seal any cracks around the foundation larger than a dime.
- Replace damaged weatherstripping around windows.
- Check that doors seal properly and install door sweeps if necessary.
- Check for gaps where pipes and cables enter the home and seal them off.
In addition to exclusionary measures, you’ll want to avoid attracting these pests to your property. Keep your yard neat by eliminating debris or woodpiles, and keep tree branches and bushes away from the house. Properly store food in airtight containers and repair leaks that may provide a water source.
Early detection is the key to preventing a severe rodent infestation. Contact us at Epcon Lane if you see any new signs of rodent activity to prevent another widespread problem. We offer same-day rodent control services to ensure the safety and well-being of your family.
Professional Rodent Control Is The Best Solution
DIY rodent control products may catch a mouse or rat but aren’t enough to address an infestation, and these clever critters can learn to avoid baits and traps. Since mice and rats usually invade in large numbers, working with a professional pest control company in Akron that offers rodent control near you is the safest and most effective way to solve your rodent problems.
Epcon Lane has protected local families and their homes from dangerous pests like rodents since 1945. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to request a free quote and reclaim your home from these hazardous pests.