As the weather cools, mice and rats seek warmth wherever they can find it, often inside residential homes. Many households see more rodent activity in autumn than at any other time. Whether they’re getting into your garage, basement, or kitchen, it’s important to act early before the problem becomes serious and requires professional intervention.
How rodents can cause damage
Although most rodents are small, they can cause significant damage in a short time. Mice and rats frequently test objects by gnawing on them, so you may notice bite marks on items that aren’t food. For example, when searching for something to eat in your kitchen, they may chew various materials until they find something palatable.
This may be how the myth of “mice love cheese” began. While mice will eat many foods with nutritional value, they often prefer sweeter options to cheese. If you’re using mouse traps, peanut butter generally works better as bait than cheese.
Voles, another common autumn pest, can also wreak havoc outdoors. Found across Canada and the northern U.S., voles dig unsightly burrows through lawns and can disturb root systems in gardens and newly planted trees.
Prevention methods
Make rodent prevention part of your annual fall maintenance. When raking leaves, keep piles away from the house and dispose of them promptly. Left too long, decomposing piles can generate heat, making them attractive to rodents.
Inspect your home’s foundation for cracks. Mice and rats can squeeze through very small openings, so seal gaps with weather-resistant materials as soon as you find them. Good sanitation also matters keep garbage containers closed and away from the house, reduce clutter, and clean regularly. Rodents are drawn by food and water; if they can’t find either, they’re more likely to move on.
Vole infestations are difficult to prevent without extensive fencing that extends several feet into the ground. If you notice fresh vole activity, place traps along recently used burrows.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
You might see an influx of rodents at this time of year, because as the weather cools mice and rats seek warmth anywhere they can find it. Unfortunately, that often means inside residential homes. Many homes may experience rodent infestations at this time of year more than any other. Whether they're getting into your garage, basement or kitchen, it's important to put a stop to them before the problem becomes too serious and requires the intervention of a professional pest control agency.
Summer is almost here and before you head out on a family trip or even if you travel for work, consider doing a little research so you become familiar with bed bugs. This will help you identify them quickly and it could keep you from bringing them home unknowingly!
For some, the garage is a primarily a storage unit. If your household is one that keeps its vehicles parked in the driveway, you may have considered clearing out the garage or at least organizing it so that you can better locate your things. Another good reason to do so it because a cluttered garage makes it easier for pests to hide. In the summer months, pests might invade the space looking for some shade. During winter, rodents may take shelter from the cold. Perhaps worst of all, a swarm of bees or wasps could decide that an open wall is the perfect spot to build a nest. For these reasons alone, you should consider cleaning out your garage and inspecting it for pest damage. Read on to learn how:
With autumn in full swing, chances are you're spending more time outside, enjoying the changing colors. Hikes through the forest and walks through the park are great ways of enjoying the outdoors before the cold months of winter come. These activities are so much more enjoyable when you can take your beloved canine company with you. But when you do, you have to be wary about ticks and fleas. These parasites can spread disease at worst and make your pet very itchy at best. Keep reading to learn how to keep your pets pest free.
