We don't usually think of rodents as dangerous, but they can be. Mice, rats, and squirrels are known to chew on wires and gas lines inside man-made structures. It is estimated that 20 to 25 percent of property fires that are sparked by a source that cannot be determined are likely to be caused by rodents. Rodents are linked to illnesses, such as Salmonellosis, E. coli infections, hantavirus, and more. They also carry ticks and fleas, which can carry diseases as well. When rodents come onto your property, they can present a threat to your business. Today, we're going to offer up a few important facts about rodents in Nashville and give you some tips to help you protect your Nashville business from the harmful impacts of a rodent infestation.
Different Rodents. Different Problems.
Some rodents stay in your yard. These lawn rodents can't find a suitable environment inside your business. A typical lawn rodent is a vole or gopher. These are not considered dangerous rodents.
Some rodents prefer to be in your yard but they can get into structures on your property under certain conditions. Squirrels and chipmunks fall into this category. These rodents are rarely dangerous, though squirrels can present a threat when they chew on wires in attic spaces. It is best to keep these furry-tailed rodents out.
Rats and mice are the worst of all rodents because they readily get inside structures in search of food or to find safe locations to nest. It is best to quickly address house mice, roof rats, and Norway rats when you detect them on your property.
It is important to know what rodents you're dealing with. If you need help with identification, we can send one of our service team members over to take a look. Different rodents require different control measures. It is essential to know what you're up against.
How To Deal With Rats And Mice
If a rodent can be dangerous, these are the two you need to watch out for. How do you stop house mice, roof rats, and Norway rats? Here are a few quick tips.
- Make sure trash is in covered containers that can't be easily knocked over.
- Remove any bird feeders from near your exterior.
- Remove objects that rats and mice can hide under.
- Seal gaps and cracks in your exterior. Pay particular attention around utilities, doors, and windows.
- Trim landscape vegetation and remove weeds and unwanted grasses.
- Trim tree branches away from rooflines.
- Insert wire mesh into the downspouts of your gutter system.
- Remove scrap wood, branch piles, and leaves.
- If you have a wood source that can't be removed, you can put the wood on an elevated platform to get it off the ground. This helps.
- If you have fruit or nut-producing trees, pick fruits and nuts up off the ground to remove this food source. Furry-tailed rodents aren't the only animals that will eat fruits and nuts in your yard.
When Trapping Is Needed
It can be challenging to capture rats and mice, and you may not know when your traps have failed—other than the fact that you don't find rodents in them. The worst situation is to actually find rodents in your traps and think you've solved your rodent problem when you actually haven't. The best way to deal with all rodents on your property is to let the pest control team here at All-American Pest Control help. Our team members use Integrated Pest Management, tamper-resistant traps, and field-tested methods to get the best results possible. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to guiding you toward the right solution for your Nashville business.