How Do Rats Get in the Attic?

Rat in El Paso

When it comes to unwanted guests in our homes, rats are at the top of the list. Finding a rat inside their home is most homeowners’ worst nightmare. Rats will often nest in the attic of homes due to the warmth and safety it provides. From the attic they are able to easily access other areas of your home in search of food or other resources. These little invaders are not only filthy and bring unwanted diseases into your home, they can also cause extensive damage to the wooden structure or wiring. 

Common Rats in El Paso

In El Paso, the three common types of rats that you may encounter are the Roof Rat, Norway Rat, and Woodrat. 

If you have rats in your attic, the culprit is often roof rats. Roof rats are aptly named due to their preference to live high off the ground, making your attic the perfect place for them to call home. They are excellent climbers and will often access your home through your roof by walking across power lines, tree limbs and fences. 

Another rat you may find in your attic is the wood rat. Wood rats are also referred to as packrats due to their love of finding and carrying around shiny objects they find interesting.  They are solitary and look for quiet places to nest like attics, wall voids and sheds.

Are Rats Dangerous?

Just looking at a rat, many people would not think of a rat as a dangerous animal but having rats in your home poses numerous dangers that should not be taken lightly. Rats can carry and transmit various diseases including; leptospirosis, hantavirus, rat bite fever and salmonellosis.

Rats are notorious chewers due to their ever-growing teeth and can cause significant structural damage to your home by chewing on wires, insulation, and wooden structures. Chewed wires are the cause of an estimated 20-25% of house fires each year in the United States.

How Prevent Rats From Entering Your Attic

As with any pest, it is best to prevent rats before they invade your home. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming to deter rodents from your property. To stop rats from entering your attic, try following these tips:

  • Trim Trees: Rats are excellent climbers and will traverse tree limbs that may be hanging over your home to access your roof. Trimming tree limbs around your home will not only prevent rats but also reduce the risk of limbs from falling on and damaging your roof.
  • Secure Vents and Chimneys: Rats and other unwelcome pests can enter your home through open vents and chimneys. Place screens over any openings around your roof.
  • Keep Your Attic Tidy: If your attic is full of easily chewed cardboard boxes you may be providing the perfect living space for rats. Switch out your cardboard boxes for secure plastic totes and keep everything organized to minimize rat nesting places.

How to Get Rid of Rats in Your Attic

Rats are extremely smart and adaptable. Sometimes despite your best efforts these pests will still enter your home and set up residence in your home or attic. That is where the professionals at Pest Defense Solutions come in! 

At Pest Defense Solutions we will treat your home like our own. We know any pest infestation can be greatly disruptive to your everyday life; our skilled technicians will work tirelessly to ensure your home is pest free and stays that way! We strive to provide the highest level of service and provide our clients with safe and effective treatments.

If you are concerned about rats in your attic or any other pests around your home, contact the pest experts at Pest Defense Solutions for a free quote and the best pest extermination services in the El Paso area!

How to Rid Your Yard of Rodents

an overhead shot of a mouse looking up from a corner

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! 

Why Wildlife Exclusion is Necessary

A raccoon in a dumpster in El Paso TXOur critter control experts at Pest Defense Solutions have been helping local homes and businesses keep safe from the many dangers of wildlife invasions for over 10 years. We’ve learned that implementing wildlife exclusion strategies before you start to notice issues is not only essential, it is possible to do on your own! Whether you’re looking to get ahead of potential wildlife problems this winter or you’re currently dealing with the presence of wild animals on your property, we have the right course of action for you. Read on to learn how to handle wildlife exclusion in El Paso!

Why Should You Do Wildlife Exclusion?

At Pest Defense Solutions, we believe that wildlife exclusion shouldn’t be a secondary measure. It should be rooted into the upkeep routines you use to maintain a safe and pleasant-looking property. This is because wild animals can cause serious problems for your home or business, ranging from garden theft to property damage to the spread of disease. Making use of our roofing, crawl spaces, sheds, and more, wild animals will stop at nothing to find food and shelter, disrupting our daily life in the process.

These are the kinds of wild animals we deal with most regularly:

  • Opossums
  • Raccoons
  • Skunks
  • Mice, rats, and more

How to Handle Wildlife Exclusion by Yourself

We recommend that you take these measures to protect your home or business in El Paso from wildlife:

  1. Seal holes in building exteriors: Seal cracks and gaps in the foundation, roofing, siding, and plumbing fixtures with a silicone-based caulk to prevent pest entry.
  2. Place caps on air vents and chimneys: Raccoons are notorious for invading chimneys looking for a warm place to hide. Purchase caps from a nearby home improvement store to cover your chimneys and air vents.
  3. Trim trees and bushes: Plant overgrowth in your yard can create hiding places for opossums, squirrels, and more wild animals.
  4. Check outdoor structures and appliances often: If you leave a car dormant outside or have a shed, you could be inviting animals to take shelter within. Check them routinely for wildlife presence.

Professional Wildlife Control Services in El Paso

Although the best way to keep wild animals off of your property is to conduct wildlife exclusion in the first place, many people come to us when it’s too late to get ahead of their issue. If this sounds like your situation, let us know as soon as you can. Our wildlife control experts at Pest Defense Solutions are trained in multiple methods of wildlife removal aimed at safe and efficient relocation whenever possible. We will identify the vulnerabilities that led to your wildlife issue and help you correct them to prevent future ones. Reach out today to learn more and receive a free quote!

Dangers of Rodent Infestations in El Paso

Rats chew on wires and create hazards in El Paso TX homes. Texas Pest Control shares info on the dangers of rodents.

Rodents are one of the most concerning pest problems we face here in El Paso. In our region, both mice and rats can be active year-round, making them a constant threat to home and business owners. Not only do rodents cause a mess in your property, but they can also be downright hazardous due to their droppings, ability to contaminate surfaces, and even spread dangerous diseases.  By understanding the real threats of dealing with a rodent problem, you can better prepare by learning to avoid a rodent problem in the first place. Read on to learn everything you need to know with the rodent control experts at Pest Defense Solutions El Paso.

Structural Damage Caused By Rats & Mice

Rats and mice can wreak havoc in your property with their nesting and chewing habits. These pests aren’t picky and can create a mess digging through your garbage. Additionally, rats have incisors that never stop growing … meaning they never stop chewing! One of the most dangerous things a rat can (and will) chew on are electrical wires. Needless to say, exposed wires can become a fire hazard. Additionally, rats and mice will tear up any type of material to create nests. If you have rodents in your property, you can be sure you’ll have a lot of cleanup to take care of in their wake. This is very hazardous and is always best left to the expertise of a professional.

What Diseases Are Spread By Rodents?

In Texas and all around the world, there are a number of serious illnesses and health risks tied back to the presence of rodents. These pathogens can be spread directly or indirectly. Mice-borne diseases are spread directly to humans through contact with droppings, saliva, and bites. They are transmitted indirectly through ticks, fleas, and mites. The three main rodent-borne diseases to be aware of include:

  • Hantavirus
    • Most often found in the urine and feces of deer mice, hantavirus can cause symptoms from fever and chills to aches in pains. In serious cases or when it is not treated, it can lead to shortness of breath and kidney failure.
  • Salmonella
    • When rats and mice walk over surfaces, they are tracking dirt and bacteria across other food surfaces. Salmonella, commonly referred to as food poisoning, can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and worse.
  • Rat-bite fever
    • Also known as Streptobacillus, rat-bite fever is usually caused by a bite or scratch from an infected rat. It is also caught by handling infected animals and ingesting food or drink contaminated with the rat’s feces or urine.

Want to Protect Your Property From the Dangers of Rodents?

If you notice the presence of rats or mice inside your property, it’s time to call a rodent exterminator. At Pest Defense Solutions, our mice exterminators have the experience needed to properly get rid of infestations and ensure you are protected from future rodent problems. Our goal is to keep you, your family, and your property safe from the dangers of rodents year-round. Contact us today to get started!

How Do Mice Breed So Quickly?

Group of mice near El Paso TX home - Pest Defense Solutions

Out of pests, mice are one of the most dangerous for one reason: they multiply at a rapid rate. This is why seeing even one or two mice—or rats—in or around your property can be a bad sign you have a serious infestation underway. The life cycle of rodents is so quick that mice reach sexual maturity and begin to reproduce at just a month old. Needless to say, this means that even one or two mice in your garage one week can grow exponentially in a manner of weeks. This is why it’s so imperative to learn how to prevent mice from breeding in your El Paso property in the first place. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know with the experts at Pest Defense Solutions.

The Fast Reproduction Rate of Mice

You might not think a couple of mice in your garage is a bad thing—but even a small problem can quickly turn into an infestation. All it takes is one female and one male mouse to kickstart what could be a serious infestation. Here’s everything you need to know:

  1. As mentioned before, young mice reach breeding age at 4–6 weeks of age.
  2. One mouse can give birth to five or six babies after just a three-week gestation period. Even worse, they can produce up to 10 litters a year!
  3. These female mice can mate immediately after giving birth, meaning mice can birth a second litter in as little as 25 days after the first. 

Rodent reproduction rate infographic - Pest Defense Solutions in El Paso TX

Rodents Inside vs. Outside Your Property

The life cycle of a mouse makes it easy to see why these rodents are such common pests in our region. Although the average mouse lifespan is only about 12 months outdoors, they can live for nearly 2 or 3 years in an indoor environment. Living indoors also enables mice to breed more rapidly, as they are unable to reproduce in the winter if outdoors. Inside the comfort of your home, rodents are safe from predators like owls, hawks, and cats. This can lead to a longer lifespan and, in turn, more litters!

Stopping Mice From Breeding Quickly

No one wants to share their property with a big population of rodents. To prevent mice from turning your home or business into their personal breeding grounds, it’s important to learn how to prevent the mice in the first place. Even more important is learning how to recognize the signs of rodents to catch an infestation early on. For help or advice, the rodent exterminators at Pest Defense Solutions are happy to assist. Contact us today!

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!

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!

6 Important Pests of 2020

2020 pests to look out for in your El Paso TX home this year - Pest Defense Solutions

Hindsight may be 20/20, but when it comes to protecting your family and home against pests this year, you can be proactive with the help of Pest Defense Solutions. We are helping homeowners prepare for the upcoming pest season by offering insight into anticipated pest activity.

At Pest Defense Solutions, we have examined trends, company data and our own field experiences to determine the following six pest predictions. Additionally, we have provided preventative tips to help keep your home pest-free* this year.

Mosquitoes

Disease-spreading mosquitoes, such as the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito, have recently surged in some Western states. These mosquitoes, as well as the common house mosquito, spread diseases such as the Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). A bite from a mosquito can also spread the parasite that causes heartworm in pets.

Homeowner Tips: West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, can increase with rising populations. And, mosquitoes only need one tablespoon of water to lay their eggs! To protect yourself and your family, dispose of any standing water around your home and always wear an EPA-approved insect repellent when spending any time outdoors.

Rats

Rat populations have increased over the past several years, and this may be partly due to warmer than usual winters. We can expect to see that trend continue as rodent populations, especially in suburban areas, increase. Warmer winters, a booming construction pipeline, lack of sanitation control, and lack of affordable housing are all issues that have advanced the swell of recent rat activity.

Homeowner Tips: To prevent rodents from entering your home, utilize the following prevention tips: Keep shrubs and trees cut back from home, especially thick ground cover that can serve as hiding places for rats. Ensure that trees do not overhang, touching the roof of your home. Seal any exterior openings larger than a nickel with rodent-proof material such as hardware cloth or flashing. Finally, seal and tie trash bags, placing them into garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.

Termites

Termites are one of the most destructive pests, causing homeowners in the United States $6 billion in property damages each year. These wood-destroying pests are a constant challenge for homeowners in the Western U.S., and this year, termites could prove to be even more damaging. The experts at Pest Defense Solutions have seen an increase in activity from subterranean and dampwood termites in many areas this year.

Homeowner Tips: Earth-to-wood contact provides an avenue for termites to enter homes and structures. To deter termites, eliminate soil to wood contact and avoid moisture accumulations near your homes’ foundation. Termites can be present for years before homeowners ever see signs of their activity, causing considerable and costly damage. Avoid these costs by having a termite protection plan in place. Speak to your pest control provider about risk and protection options for your home.

Cockroaches

Cockroach populations have increased dramatically over the past several years, due in large part to warmer weather and increased rainfall. Cockroaches carry diseases, infest stored food, and then spread these diseases through their excrement. Cockroach removal is vital as infestations can be serious if not taken care of in a timely manner.

Homeowner Tips: To deter an infestation, cockroach-proof your home by sealing small cracks and crevices around windows and door frames with a silicone-based caulk. Keep a clean kitchen, sweeping, mopping and wiping up any spills. Check that door seals, including the one on your garage, are in place and intact. If you’re experiencing cockroach problems, speak with your pest control professional to determine the best solution for your home.

Flies

If you have noticed more flies this past year, you are not alone. Although they’re more active in the summer, house flies reproduce year-round. Filth flies – house flies, bottle flies, flesh flies – generally live and breed near human habitats and their numbers have increased in recent years. Increasing population density, waste management practices that haven’t kept pace with growth, and a general trend toward a warming climate for the fly pressure all contribute to increasing this disease-spreading insect.

Homeowner Tips: The house fly and other types of “filth flies” are not only nuisance pests; they also have the potential to spread the disease to humans and animals. To protect yourself and your family, repair any damaged screens on windows and doors. Keep trash stored away from your home and make sure that all trash cans have tight-fitting lids.

Spiders

Spiders are carnivores, eating other insects and thriving in wet environments. Increased moisture leads to an increase in the insects that spiders eat as a food resource. Heavy rain and warmer temperatures have created the perfect conditions for insects and spiders to flourish. Although beneficial for our ecosystem, most people prefer spiders to stay outside where they belong.

Homeowner Tips: To keep spiders out of your home, keep food put away in tightly sealed storage containers. This will help eliminate ants, roaches and other pests, which will leave spiders with no food source. If the thought of spiders lurking is alarming, try changing your white outdoor light bulbs to yellow light bulbs, which attract fewer insects that can serve as food for the spiders. There are a few species of spiders that can live indoors and need to be controlled by spider removal experts.

The experts at Pest Defense Solutions agree that a proactive approach can help eliminate pest issues before they appear. With these pest predictions in mind, take time to evaluate your current pest control plan and make sure that you have the protection you need to protect yourself and your family from pests this year.