Rodents have been a pest control issue for as long as humans have
lived in houses. Mice and rats can enter a home through small holes in
the structure and take up residence in air-duct systems, crawl spaces
and other dark, undisturbed areas. They're attracted to the food sources
human beings provide and can contaminate a family's food supply with
various diseases.
Over the years, many myths have developed about pest control for mice and rats. However, it is important to be able to differential between fact and fiction in order to properly apply rodent pest control methods. For this reason, here are some of the more common rodent myths -- and the truth behind them.
Myth: The only pest control you need for rodents is a cat.
Fact: While cats and dogs do chase and even occasionally kill mice and rats, most rodents can easily escape them by fleeing to small spaces where the larger animal can't fit. By traveling in air duct systems or hiding in crawl spaces, mice and rats can continue to infest a home, despite your pet's best efforts. In some cases, a pet can even attract rodents to your home. Mice and rats can feed from a pet's dish, or from food the pet has spilled.
Myth: Good sanitation will keep rodents away from your home.
Fact: Because mice can survive in small spaces with limited access to food and shelter, good sanitation won't necessarily eliminate them. It does, however, make it difficult for rodents to thrive in large numbers. When practiced in conjunction with baits or traps, good sanitation reduces the amount of food and shelter available to existing mice and can help enhance the effectiveness of regular pest control or pest prevention measures.
Myth: Cheese makes the best rodent bait.
Fact: While cheese can be used as bait for rodents, it's not as alluring as the media portrays it to be. Mice actually prefer fruit and seeds over cheese, and professionals from a pest control service will also use peanut butter, meat and even chocolate. In a dry climate, it's best to use a moist food as bait for mice, as they get most of their water from their food. Even cotton balls, which rodents use for nesting, can be used effectively.
Myth: The worst a rodent can do in your home is chew.
Fact: Many homeowners focus on the property damage mice and rats can cause, but this is not the most compelling reason to eliminate a rodent infestation. Mice and rats carry diseases and can contaminate food in your home with their urine, droppings and fur.
Myth: Rodent bait is the most effective pest control method.
Fact: Rodent bait is not typically considered as effective as trapping and rodent-proofing a home. Most rodent infestations can be dealt with by eliminating all openings through which mice and rats can enter the home and by employing traps to deal with the remaining population. Baits can be used to supplement these methods, but those who are interested in green pest control should keep in mind that rodent baits are poisons.
Myth: You can eliminate rodents by making your own bait.
Fact: Because rodent baits are poisonous, health experts caution against buying or using baits that appear homemade. Only use baits that are clearly labeled and have been registered with the EPA. Always follow the instructions precisely.
Because so many fallacies exist around rodent pest control, it's important to do your research and consult a professional pest control service. By working with an exterminator and taking a multifaceted approach, it is possible to eliminate rodents from your home.
Over the years, many myths have developed about pest control for mice and rats. However, it is important to be able to differential between fact and fiction in order to properly apply rodent pest control methods. For this reason, here are some of the more common rodent myths -- and the truth behind them.
Myth: The only pest control you need for rodents is a cat.
Fact: While cats and dogs do chase and even occasionally kill mice and rats, most rodents can easily escape them by fleeing to small spaces where the larger animal can't fit. By traveling in air duct systems or hiding in crawl spaces, mice and rats can continue to infest a home, despite your pet's best efforts. In some cases, a pet can even attract rodents to your home. Mice and rats can feed from a pet's dish, or from food the pet has spilled.
Myth: Good sanitation will keep rodents away from your home.
Fact: Because mice can survive in small spaces with limited access to food and shelter, good sanitation won't necessarily eliminate them. It does, however, make it difficult for rodents to thrive in large numbers. When practiced in conjunction with baits or traps, good sanitation reduces the amount of food and shelter available to existing mice and can help enhance the effectiveness of regular pest control or pest prevention measures.
Myth: Cheese makes the best rodent bait.
Fact: While cheese can be used as bait for rodents, it's not as alluring as the media portrays it to be. Mice actually prefer fruit and seeds over cheese, and professionals from a pest control service will also use peanut butter, meat and even chocolate. In a dry climate, it's best to use a moist food as bait for mice, as they get most of their water from their food. Even cotton balls, which rodents use for nesting, can be used effectively.
Myth: The worst a rodent can do in your home is chew.
Fact: Many homeowners focus on the property damage mice and rats can cause, but this is not the most compelling reason to eliminate a rodent infestation. Mice and rats carry diseases and can contaminate food in your home with their urine, droppings and fur.
Myth: Rodent bait is the most effective pest control method.
Fact: Rodent bait is not typically considered as effective as trapping and rodent-proofing a home. Most rodent infestations can be dealt with by eliminating all openings through which mice and rats can enter the home and by employing traps to deal with the remaining population. Baits can be used to supplement these methods, but those who are interested in green pest control should keep in mind that rodent baits are poisons.
Myth: You can eliminate rodents by making your own bait.
Fact: Because rodent baits are poisonous, health experts caution against buying or using baits that appear homemade. Only use baits that are clearly labeled and have been registered with the EPA. Always follow the instructions precisely.
Because so many fallacies exist around rodent pest control, it's important to do your research and consult a professional pest control service. By working with an exterminator and taking a multifaceted approach, it is possible to eliminate rodents from your home.
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