When Pests Make Themselves at Home: How To Deal With Rodent Invasions
You know that feeling when you’re relaxing at home, sipping a well-earned cuppa, only to hear an unsettling rustle somewhere nearby? It’s not the wind, and it’s definitely not the ghost of last night’s dinner – it’s a rodent (or a marsupial- more on that later). While they might seem small and harmless, these furry freeloaders can cause some major headaches when they decide to move in.
In this blog we’ll share some sharp tips on how to prevent rodent pests from setting up camp, what chaos they can create when they do, and how to kick them out for good.
Firstly: Defend Your Domain
The first line of defence against rodents is to make your home as unwelcoming as possible. These crafty creatures are always on the lookout for warmth, food, and shelter (especially during a Central Otago winter). Seal off all possible entry points: cracks in the slab, gaps around windows and doors, even the tiniest openings can be an invitation for trouble. Steel wool pads and Mitre10 putty are your new best friends – use them to fill in these gaps and keep the rodents out. Don’t forget to also trim down tree branches and shrubs that touch your home, as rodents can also use them as a way to get in.
Secondly: Denying Them Delicacies
Just like any animal, rodents need to eat to survive. The less you tempt them, the less likely they are to stick around. Keep your kitchen clean – no crumbs left behind, no food left on the counters overnight. Invest in airtight containers for your pantry staples and pet food, and remember to store rubbish in secure bins. Rodents can gnaw through bags and even plastic containers, so make it a challenge for them.
The Squeaky Nightmare Unleashed
So, what happens when those pesky rodents actually make it past your defences? Well, it’s not actually a scene from a Pixar movie: rodents can wreak havoc in your home. They:
- Chew on electrical wires, which can lead to short circuits and even fires
- Contaminate your food and cooking surfaces with their droppings and urine, putting your health at risk
- And let’s not forget their extraordinary talent for reproducing – a small issue can quickly become an infestation.
Possum Party
Rats and mice aren’t the only unwanted house guests you may be battling here in New Zealand. Possums (not a rodent- actually a marsupial) are also on the lookout for a warm cosy home, and if they invade they can cause all kinds of havoc. Possums become incredibly raucous at night since they are nocturnal animals. They chatter, screech and make sounds like clicks, smacks, hisses, grunts and coughs- not conducive to a good night’s sleep!
Taking Back Control
If you find yourself dealing with a rodent problem, don’t panic. We’re here to help you take back control of your space. The first step is to identify the signs: gnawed materials, droppings, and strange noises at night. Once you’re sure of the invasion, it’s time to take action, and give us a call at Mountain View Services.
Enlisting Professional Reinforcements
At MVS we have the knowledge, tools, and experience to deal with rodent infestations efficiently and safely. We can:
- Assess the extent of the problem
- Implement targeted treatments
- Offer advice on preventing future invasions.
To effectively remove all rodents (and traces of them), be prepared for at least one additional follow up visit- rodents are never a ‘one visit fix’!
Plus if you’ve had MVS come in the past for pest control, and want to make sure they are completely removed, contact us again and we can refill your bait traps whilst checking all is well.
To round up
Your home should be your sanctuary, and sharing it with unwanted rodent roommates is nobody’s idea of a good time. Remember, prevention is your best friend, but if the little critters do manage to find their way in, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0800278732.
So, keep those gaps sealed, that food locked down, and your home rodent-proof – because your home is meant for you and your invited guests only.