Pest Spotlight: Rats and Mice in the Home

Did you know that mice and rats are some of the most common pests that invade homes across the country? These petite rodents seem to know just the right ways to get into places where they aren't welcome, causing homeowners to stress and worry about the possible diseases they bring. Thankfully, with the right information, you can better understand how to deal with rats and mice in your home and overcome your anxiety with knowledge!

How Do Mice Get Into Houses? 

As surprising as it might seem, a mouse or rat only needs a hole the size of a dime or a quarter, respectively, which is why they can easily infiltrate almost any home. The most common entrances for rodents are: 

• Missing screens
• Cracks in the foundation
• Uncovered drains, chimneys, and venting
• Damage along exterior walls or the roofline
• Gaps around door frames or windows

Rats and mice are diligent chewers, able to gnaw their way through just about any material obstructing them. Once inside a home, these rodents travel under floors and inside walls, eventually venturing out into the open once they think it's safe.

What Attracts Rats and Mice?

Rats and mice have come to see people as a way to easily access water, food, shelter, and other resources, and they don't shy away from taking what they want. Mice and rats are highly opportunistic, and they aren't picky at all about what they consume. The most common attractant for rats and mice are crumbs and other food debris found in or around the home. Open access to garbage or otherwise poorly stored food, along with bird feeders and poorly maintained gardens, are sure to lure rodents to your yard. Being common prey animals, they will also see your home as a much-needed shelter from their natural predators. Clutter around your home or yard provides the perfect cover for mice and rats to nestle in. 

How Do I Get Rid of Mice and Rats in My Home? 

If you’re looking to eliminate rodents around your house, then the best way to go about it is to hire a professional exterminator nearby to handle the job. Although there are many “hacks” online that claim to be able to catch rats and mice, they’re a stopgap at best because they don’t professionally address what’s attracting rodents to your home in the first place and don't keep them out. Hiring a local rodent control company will allow you to take control back from the possibly diseased or parasite-carrying rodents that have taken up residence in your space. If you’re interested in such peace, then reach out to Bayou Cajun Pest Control today to learn more about our rat and mouse control services!