Look Out for Rodents This Summer

In parts of Florida, we’ve seen a historic amount of rainfall. Due to this year’s excessive precipitation, some areas have experienced raised water levels and flooding. Besides flood damage, a lot of rain can cause other problems, one of which is an increase in rodent infestations. When mice, rats, or even squirrels or chipmunks are displaced by flooding, they look for someplace safe to hide and rebuild their home. Unfortunately for us humans, oftentimes, that means our homes. This summer in particular, Floridians need to be on the lookout for rodents making your home, their home.

Most rodents, such as rats and mice, are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and go on the prowl at night when people are asleep. For that reason, most people don’t see rodents that have taken up residence in their home. There are some indicative signs that prove rodents are taking up residence in your home:

• Chewed holes in walls and floorboards
• Chewed food
• Scattered droppings or urine stains (and the unpleasant associated odors)
• Noises inside of walls or in crawl spaces or attics

Rodents can cause property damage by chewing up parts of your house, including wiring. They also have the potential to bring a number of harmful parasites and diseases into your home which can present a threat to you and your family. Many rodents also carry fleas that can infest pets and family members. Once they take up residence, they are also notoriously difficult to get rid of–simple traps may capture some, but they won’t get them all.

The first line of defense against a rodent infestation is to make your home less desirable to them–ensure that all of your food products are stored in sealed containers and keep cooking and eating areas free of crumbs and food debris. Also, be sure to check for and patch holes that rodents can use to enter your home.

If you suspect you might have a rodent problem, it’s best to take action right away–rodents breed quickly and what started as a small problem can escalate very fast. At the first sign of a rodent infestation, the best way to keep your home and family safe is by contacting the Orlando pest removal experts at Apex Pest Control.

Has your home experienced a rodent infestation? Share this post and tell others how you handled the problem. Also, tell us about other telltale signs that rodents are taking up residence in your home.