Can I Have Rodent Issues During The Summer?
While we often think about rodent issues as a cold weather problem, it is common to deal with rodents during the summer as well. Contrary to popular belief, rodents such as rats and mice don’t just invade homes during the colder months. Rodents can be a year-round problem! Here is why you might notice more rodent activity during the summer and what you can do about it!
Why Am I Seeing More Rodent Activity During The Summer?
- Summer is peak breading season for rodents. While rats and mice aren’t limited to having babies only in the summer, they can only have babies outdoors during the warmer season. Spring and Fall are the easiest time for them to have litters, but they can still have babies outdoors during the summer. Summer is generally when their population is at it’s most dense.
- During the summer food and water sources are plentiful for rodents. The season growth of plants, fruits, and vegetables provide able food sources for rodent populations to quickly boom. In addition to those natural food and water sources, barbeques, back yard meals, and full trash cans will introduce additional enticing food sources that may draw rodent populations closer to your home.
- As the temperatures increase rodent populations will seek shelter from the warmth. This means that sheds, garages, and the space underneath decks will become prime spots for rodents to create places to nest. In addition to the protection from the heat, these areas will provide additional shelter for predators that are also more active in the warmer months.
- If the heat really starts to sore without a break, this is when rodent populations will try to move into your home. The cooler spaces and easier access to food will lure them in. If they start looking for a cooler shelter, your home will be a perfect place for them to start nesting in.
Signs That You Have A Rodent Problem
- Droppings: Fresh rodent droppings are a clear sign of that there is a problem. Look for small, dark pellets in pantries, cupboards, and along walls.
- Gnaw Marks: Rodents will chew on almost anything to keep their teeth sharp as they look for food. Look for gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, and wiring.
- Nests: Rodents create nests from shredded paper, fabric, and insulation. Check for nests in hidden areas like attics, basements, and wall cavities. If you see some small piles of scraps, be on the lookout for additional signs.
- Noises: Scratching, scurrying, and squeaking sounds, especially at night, can indicate rodent activity in walls or ceilings. While it can be hard to hear, turn off additional appliances and sit quietly to see if you can hear any movement.
- Tracks: Rodents are dirty creatures so their footprints or tail marks in dusty areas can reveal pathways. You may also be able to rub marks from where they climb in and out of holes. Be on the lookout for dirty areas around small holes.
How Can You Prevent Rodent Infestations
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, and holes. Seal any openings larger than a quarter of an inch to prevent rodents from entering.
- Proper Food Storage: Store food in airtight containers and keep pet food sealed. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
- Regular Trash Disposal: Dispose of garbage regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids to minimize attractants.
- Eliminate Clutter: Rodents thrive in cluttered environments. Keep your home and yard tidy to reduce hiding spots.
- Maintain Yard: Trim overgrown vegetation and keep woodpiles away from the house. These areas can serve as shelters for rodents.
What To Do If You Think You Have A Rodent Problem?
A rodent problem can quickly get out of hand if it isn’t dealt with quickly. The two best ways to deal with rodents are traps and baits. If you decide to deal with the problem on your own, follow the labels and then place the traps and baits in the areas affected by the rodents. Sometimes these infestations may get out of hand. At that point don’t ever feel embarrassed about reaching out for professional help. Rodents are a universal problem, and there is no shame in having an infestation that needs to be dealt with. Our team of experts are trained on how to best eradicate a population as well as what needs to be done to try and avoid any future issues. As always, we are just a phone call away. Please let us know if we can help!
