Rodents are unwelcome guests that nobody wants in their homes or yard. They can carry diseases and cause extensive damage to your home by chewing on the wooden structure or electrical wires, putting both your home and family at risk. Once you spot signs of rodents in your yard, it is important to take action quickly and get rid of them to prevent a bigger infestation.

Signs You Have a Rodent Infestation

Seeing rodents scurry across your yard is the biggest sign that you may have a rodent problem.  But these pests are excellent at hiding and usually only come out at night, making it difficult to spot an infestation. Other signs you may have a rodent problem include finding:

• Rodent Trails: Rodents will establish paths through your yard and home, resulting in worn-down grass or dirt and greasy rub marks along your walls. Following these trails can help you find and eliminate entrance points, nests, or food sources.
• Feces: Finding rodent feces is another surefire sign that you have a rodent infestation. Rodent feces is dark and rice shaped. Rat droppings will be much larger than mice droppings.
• Burrows: Norway rats will burrow into the ground around home foundations or gardens to build their nests. Their burrows are 2 to 3 inches around and up to 6 ½ feet deep. Keep an eye out for any new holes in your yard.
• Gnaw marks: A rodent’s teeth never stop growing. To keep their teeth short and manageable, rodents gnaw on anything they can – electrical wires, wood, and even drywall. Seeing gnaw marks in or around your home is a clear sign of a rodent infestation.
• Nesting materials: Deer mice and house mice will gather leaves, sticks, and other fibrous materials to construct their nests. Finding clusters of these materials usually means there are mice nearby. 

Keeping Rodents Out of Your Yard and Home

• Remove clutter: Rodents like to hide and build their nest in quiet, dark places. Clearing your home and yard of clutter will deter rodents from moving in.
• Seal entry points: Rats and mice will enter a home looking for food and shelter. Make sure to seal any holes or cracks on the exterior of your home to prevent these unwanted guests from invading.
• Set traps: Many people will set out traps once they see signs of rodent activity. There are a variety of traps you may use to get rid of rodents; some use poison to eliminate rodents, while others trap and either quickly kill them or keep them alive for you to relocate the rodent. Traps can be extremely effective in eliminating individual rodents but will not control a larger population.
• Natural deterrents: Some strong smells such as peppermint, garlic, and vinegar are great natural rodent deterrents. Apply these scents in areas with rodent activity to keep them away.
• Properly store food: Most rodents enter a home looking for food. Ensure food is stored in airtight containers, the kitchen is clean, and do not leave food on your counters.

Calling in the Professionals

Rodents in your yard often mean rodents in your home as well. These pests can damage your home and carry harmful diseases, making it extremely important to deal with any infestation quickly and effectively. Do-it-yourself methods may be appealing but often ineffective and can lead to bigger infestations. Removing rodents is best left to professional exterminators, like those at Pest Defense Solutions. We will be able to quickly and effectively rid your yard of rodents and create a plan to keep them away for good. If you suspect you have a rodent infestation, contact us today for a free quote!