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! 

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!

Pointers for a Pest-Free Kitchen

A cockroach in the kitchen in El Paso TX - Pest Defense Solutions El Paso

The kitchen is one of the hardest rooms in the house to protect from pest problems. With opportunities to find food, standing water, moisture, shelter, indoor to outdoor access, and more, it’s no wonder we get so many calls every year to help El Paso residents with their kitchen pest problems.

Are you looking for some strategies to help keep your kitchen clean and pest-free*? Look no further! The pest experts at Pest Defense Solutions El Paso have put together their best advice to help you get rid of kitchen pests and keep them away for good!

Why Are There Bugs in the Kitchen?

We know that all kinds of critters set up shop in our kitchens, but why? Sometimes, even if you think you’re doing the best that you can keeping your kitchen neat and tidy, bugs and vermin have access to everything they need and can get to it without you knowing. Here are the three main reasons why pests could be in your kitchen:

  • Food: Pests can quickly jump on food that has been left out, spilled, or left unsealed in your cupboards. Mice, rats, and more are even capable of breaking into packaged goods!
  • Water: Leaky pipes under cupboards and standing water in the sink can both contribute to a pest problem by giving them a source of hydration.
  • Shelter: Spiders love the clutter of our pantries, roaches love the dark and damp environment under our sinks, and rodents love the hidden accessibility of our walls—they could be everywhere!

5 Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Kitchen

Keeping pests out of the kitchen means getting rid of factors that might attract them. Here are five important ways to reduce the risk of a pest infestation in your kitchen:

  1. Reduce moisture buildup in the kitchen by sealing any leaking pipes, running your garbage disposal often, and clearing any clogged drains.
  2. Wash your dishes as soon as you’re done with them and wipe up spills promptly to prevent crumbs and residue from attracting pests.
  3. Take out the trash often and use sealable lids on your bins.
  4. Check the expiration date on goods you’re purchasing at the grocery store. Make sure you aren’t letting foods go bad in your pantry or refrigerator, too.
  5. Make sure there are no gaps around your windows and doors. You can close them with screens and door sweeps.

Need Help with Pest Control in the Kitchen?

Sometimes, trying to deal with pest pressures in the kitchen on your own just isn’t enough. That’s where the experts at Pest Defense Solutions El Paso come in. We are acutely familiar with the way pests operate here in El Paso TX and will develop an overarching pest control plan to figure out why your home or business is infested, rid all pests, and keep them out for good. For a free quote or to hear more about our services, contact our team today!

House Mouse Problems in the Fall

A mouse found in El Paso TX - Pest Defense Solutions El Paso

All of the wild animals in El Paso TX can tell when autumn is in the air. Even though our winters are more moderate than most, the wildlife know to take precautions against the less habitable environment that is soon to arrive. Unfortunately for us, this means that mice infestations are imminent. Because mice are so small and sneaky, finding the reason for your infestation can be quite a tough task. If you’re looking to learn more about why mice infest our homes and what you can do to keep them away, read on for a professional perspective from our technicians at Pest Defense Solutions El Paso!

Why Do Mice Like About Our Homes?

Like all wild animals, mice have to put in some extra effort to survive comfortably through the winter. They can usually find everything that they need in our homes with ease, so if they are in your area, you are likely at risk for an infestation. These three things are all that mice are looking for:

  1. Warmth: Mice do not hibernate, so they have to find a warm place to spend the winter.
  2. Shelter: Mice are important contributors to their ecosystem—they are preyed upon by what must seem like everyone. Arguably above all, mice need a good place to hide.
  3. Food: Although mice can go long periods of time with little to no food, they enjoy eating and seek out all kinds of food in our homes, preferably snacks loaded with carbohydrates.

How to Keep Mice Outside

Mice can be one of the hardest pests to control on your own. Their size and stealth make them very hard to remove once they’ve already infested your home. The best DIY mice control program is proper prevention—here are a few ways you can lessen your chances of having a rat infestation this fall:

  • Check around your home for any easy access points. You can fix them by adding brush strips to your doors, screens to your vents and windows, and plugs to cracks in your roofing and plumbing.
  • Seal and stow away your food properly, and make sure to clean your dishes and spills promptly.
  • Keep your grass cut short and limit yard waste. Mice can find food and hiding spots on your lawn.

Want a Head Start on Rodent Control in El Paso TX?

Fall is the perfect time for mice, rats, and more pests to get a head start on finding their place to hide out for the winter. If your rodent issues are already turning your cozy autumn into a verminous nightmare, you can trust the rodent control experts at Pest Defense Solutions El Paso to sort them out. Our rodent removal specialists are equipped with an arsenal of different strategies to be molded to the specifics of your infestation. For a free quote on rodent control, reach out to our team today!

How to Prevent Pests in Your Garage

How to prevent pests in your garage in El Paso TX - Pest Defense Solutions

Pest problems are a year-round concern for El Paso residents. While pests are certainly a problem inside homes, they can also easily infest garages. Because so many people store items in their garage year-round, often unattended for months at a time, pests find the environment to be a haven. With ample access to food, shelter, and water, rodents, spiders, and other pests will happily inhabit your garage. Seeing as no one wants to stumble across pests in their garage, it’s crucial to learn how to keep them out in the first place! The experts at Pest Defense Solutions are here with their top tips on how to prevent pests in your garage.

Pests Found in Garages

Garages provide plenty of hidden spots for pests to survive. The most common pests found in garages here in El Paso include:

  1. Spiders. Most spiders crawl inside to feed on other insects. This makes your garage even more suitable for their place of dwelling. Spiders are known to spin webs in boxes and in rarely-accessed corners. You can be sure to come across spiders when pulling out holiday decorations from your garage every year.
  2. Rodents. Especially in the colder months of the year, rodents will seek shelter in garages. They can easily build nests in storage boxes and wall voids, or even sneak into your car. Because they can squeeze through coin-sized holes, rodents in garages are more common than you may want to believe.
  3. Silverfish. One of the most common nuisance pests, silverfish are especially fond of garages and cardboard boxes. Once they are in your garage, they can feed on a number of items: paper, glue, clothing, flour, and more. While mostly harmless, silverfish are nonetheless a nuisance.
  4. Flies. Especially in the hot summer months, flies can be a major nuisance. Flies are attracted to buildings by air currents and odors, and will get into garages when the door is open. House flies can be found resting on nearly any surface including on walls, floors, window sills and other various objects found in the garage.

Tips For Pest-Proofing Your Garage

Keeping pests out of your garage entails many of the same prevention measures you’d take to keep them out of our home. This includes installing effective weather stripping, as well as sealing cracks and crevices with silicone-based caulk or steel wool (or both). Always fix any leaky pipes or moisture problems. Another great tip is to consider storing your items in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to deny pests access to your stored goods. Once stored in the right containers, it’s still wise to store items up and off of the ground.

How to Prevent Pests in El Paso Homes

Dealing with pests anywhere inside or outside your property can be frustrating and even downright dangerous. If you are having trouble keeping pests out of your garage, the expert technicians at Pest Defense Solutions can help!

Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

Pest defense solutions logo

Entomologists from Pest Defense Solutions’ parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.

To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.

1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:

With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

2. Mosquitoes on the Move:

Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”

Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.

3. Bed Bugs:

The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.

“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”

Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.

If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.

4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.

From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.

In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:

Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.

Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”

Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.

5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere

Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

6. Pests in the News:

There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.

The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.

Common Seasonal Pests in El Paso

Mosquitoes are a common seasonal pest in El Paso TX - Pest Defense Solutions

El Paso is home to many types of pests that are, for the most part, active throughout most of the year. Due to our mild climate, pests don’t necessarily wait out the winter like they would in other parts of the country. That said, there are still a number of seasonal pests unique to our area. At Pest Defense Solutions, we believe it is very important to learn what pests are most common in certain parts of the year in order to prepare yourself for an infestation. With information provided to us by the NPMA, we are sharing expert information on common seasonal pests to keep your eye out for throughout the year.

Fall and Winter Pests to Look Out For

The NPMA has warned that the mosquito and tick season may extend well into fall this year due to the mild summer we experienced. Due to the fact that we have such mild winters, we deal with multiple pests throughout the fall and winter:

  1. Rats & mice. When temperatures dip, rodents will try to get indoors to wait out the colder months.
  2. Ants. Because they need moisture, ants will be driven indoors more than usual this time of year to seek out sources of water.
  3. Cockroaches. Similarly to ants, roaches will hide in dark, damp areas of the home in the fall and winter.
Winter pests in the South Central United States map
Rodent
Fly
Mosquito
Ant
Cockroach

What Pests are Common in El Paso Spring and Summer?

During the spring and summer months, we deal with a plethora of pests. Our warm mild weather drives all types of pests to be more active and reproduce. One of the most common pests we deal with is termites, which can infest homes throughout the year but usually swarm in the spring and summer. Mosquitoes are always active in the height of the summer months, which is also when hoards of flies come out of nowhere. Lastly, stinging insects are at peak activity in the summertime, which is when nests are often their most dangerous.

Seasonal Pest Prevention

Due to our climate and weather patterns throughout the year, El Paso residents and business owners experience a lot of pest problems. It’s important to know which pests to keep your eye out for in order to prevent a seasonal pest problem. The residential and commercial exterminators at Pest Defense Solutions can work with you to ensure you are protected from pests all year long.

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!