Aggressive Rats During the Coronavirus

Rodents enter El Paso TX homes during the pandemic - Pest Defense Solutions

Here in El Paso, rats and mice are one of the most common pest problems we see, especially in the fall months. Infestations are currently worse than ever due to the coronavirus. As the CDC announced a while back, rodents are more aggressive due to the growing competition for food sources. When restaurants, cafes, and bars were put under restrictions to limit or even shut down operations, rats and mice suddenly found themselves depleted of their normal food source. This pushed them to search elsewhere for food and shelter, often right inside your own home. Due to the rise in rat and mouse infestations and with Rodent Awareness Week upon us, now is the perfect time to learn how to protect your property from these pests in the coming months.

What’s Happening to Rodents During the Pandemic?

Although rodents may be more common right now, there’s no reason to worry about them spreading COVID-19. There is thankfully no evidence to show that rodents are transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to humans. The main concern with rats and mice currently is that they are getting more aggressive in nature, can carry other diseases, and could cause damage to your property.

The shelter in place shutdowns caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice became bolder in their hunt for resources. This has since caused an uptick in infestations and rodent-spread issues. While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and many more. A rodent problem can also result in structural damage.

Preventing Rodents in El Paso

The best form of rodent control is exclusion. This means safeguarding your home from rodents in the first place. Try out our following tips:

  • Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside holes the size of a dime.
  • Securely store all food in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
  • Clean inside the house and around the garden. Less clutter means fewer places to hide.
  • Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
  • Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
  • If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
  • Inspect your garage, attic, crawlspaces, and vents for potential rodent hiding spots.

Rodent Infestations During COVID-19

At Pest Defense Solutions, we understand that a rodent problem is the last thing you have the time and energy to deal with this year. Our rodent exterminators are committed to helping protect your property against these pests. Contact us today to learn how!

Are Termite Infestations Common in the Fall & Winter?

Termites are a common fall and winter pest problem in El Paso Texas - Pest Defense Solutions

In El Paso, pest season can seem like it’s all year long. Unfortunately, termites are a pest problem for people not just in the spring and summer, but also in the fall and winter!  Many assume that “termite season” is during the springtime because they are seen swarming. However, a termite infestation can happen at any time of the year. Once they get inside a structure, termites will work 24/7 to chew through wood, even in the fall and winter. Because these wood-destroying pests are a year-round threat, it’s essential to get year-round termite protection for your home. Pest Defense Solutions can help! Keep reading to learn all about termite activity in the fall and winter months.

Fall Termites in El Paso

Depending on the climate, termites will usually swarm any time between March and November. This means you could possibly see a termite swarm in October. However, in the months ahead termites remain active as the queen continually lays eggs and colonies grow. The more mature a colony is, the more damage can be made to your home. If you have an infestation festering in your property for more than two years, it is very likely to begin to notice the signs of damage, even in the fall or winter. If and when we experience cold temperatures, termites will tunnel up to 25 to 30 feet underground to stay warm.

How to Tell if You Have Termites

Unless you’ve had an ongoing termite infestation for some time, it can be difficult to know if you are dealing with termites or not. The damage will begin to show if you’ve had a colony working away for more than a year or two. Here’s what to look for:

  • Mud tubes
  • Discarded swarmer wings
  • Termite frass (feces)
  • Drywall discoloration
  • Loose tiles or buckling floors
  • Bubbling or uneven paint on walls
  • Holes in drywall
  • Hollow-sounding or crumbling wood

Need Termite Infestation Control This Fall?

Unfortunately, termites are able to infest and damage your home any time of the year, even in the fall and winter. The good news is that there are multiple options to safeguard your home against termites at any time of the year. At Pest Defense Solutions, we will work with you all year long to provide customized termite control for you and your property. Reach out to our termite exterminators today for more information!

Prevent a Fall Rodent Infestation With These Tips

Rodents get inside El Paso TX homes in the fall - Pest Defense Solutions

Rodents are a common pest problem year-round, but they’re especially troublesome in the fall months here in El Paso. This is because rats and mice begin to come indoors to seek out warmth, shelter, and food. Unfortunately, rodents can squeeze inside easier than you may think. Because rodents can contaminate surfaces, spread germs, and cause structural damage, it’s extremely important to learn how to prevent a rodent infestation this fall. Rodent exclusion is the key to stopping rodents from making their way indoors. The team at Pest Defense Solutions is here to help you learn how to make your property less attractive to rats and mice this fall.

Preventing Fall Rodent Problems

No one wants a rodent problem. Thankfully, there are six main things you can do to keep them away:

  1. Keep all vegetation trimmed. Tree branches close to the home or vines along the side of your home will invite rodents in.
  2. Store food properly. Securely store food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  3. Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
  4. Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  5. Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
  6. Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

The Dangers of Rats & Mice in the Fall

Rodents are not subtle pests and will quickly make their presence known with rustling noises and gnawing noises.  For the most part, rats and mice will take shelter in the attic, basement, and garage. They also will infest kitchens, laundry rooms, and are highly likely to invade your trash cans if given the chance.

Once indoors, rodents can cause a lot of destruction. Their nesting and chewing habits will tear apart materials in your home or ruin wires. They also will contaminate surfaces as they spread potentially dangerous germs and bacteria wherever they go.

Need Fall Rodent Control?

Whether you think you have the beginnings of a rodent problem or you want to avoid one entirely, the team at Pest Defense Solutions can help. Our rodent exterminators will work with you to customize a rodent exclusion plan suited to your needs. Contact us today!