Rodent infestation is a big problem for people living in Illinois because of the significant health risks that it poses and the potential to cause damage to the property. Rats and mice, which are the most common ones, are mainly known for spreading numerous diseases, chewing up wires and structural elements, and food contamination.
People often search for pest control company near me to deal with such infestation problems. Prevention needs combining methods like exclusion, sanitation, and control measures.
Sanitation
The basic foundation to prevent rodent infestation is through maintaining a clean environment. Rodents get attracted to waste and sources of food, which makes proper sanitation extremely important. Let us have a look at some sanitation practices:
Proper Food Storage
Foods must be stored in containers with an air-tight lid, which prevents rodents from accessing them. Leaving food out must be avoided, too, because that attracts rodents.
Regular Cleaning
The floor, kitchen surfaces, and area beneath the appliances must be kept clean all the time to remove food debris.
Waste Management
Get a trash bin that has a seal on it to prevent rodents from entering in search of food. Outdoor bins must have a tight-fitting lid, too, to make waste inaccessible.
Exclusion
Exclusion essentially means sealing off entry points of the building from where rodents could potentially make an entrance, which is pretty effective because it deals with the problem at the source. Exclusion techniques include:
Sealing Gaps and Cracks
Do a proper inspection of the exterior of the building, look out for cracks and gaps, and create a seal using caulk, steel wool, or metal mesh.
Door and Window Maintenance
Use weather stripping and door sweeps to close gaps present below and around the door while making sure all windows and doors are closed tightly.
Utility Line Sealing
All gaps in utility lines, cables, and pipes that go inside the building must be appropriately sealed because these are common entry points for rodents.
Control Measures
When rodents have already invaded the building, taking control measures becomes a necessity, which includes using numerous combinations of bait, traps, and professional pest control services to reduce the population of rodents.
Long-Term Prevention
All the methods mentioned so far must be done regularly and consistently, along with inspections of the building to make sure rodents do not enter the property, which serves as a long-term prevention.
Approach Pest Control Service Providers
The best way to prevent or deal with rodent infestation is through getting pest control services.
The professionals can do a proper inspection, seal all potential entry points, and use appropriate equipment to make sure rodents stay away from the property.
The treatment remains effective for a much more extended period compared to DIY methods.