When it comes to rodent problems, it’s recommended that you rely on rodent control professionals, like the ones at Terminix®. Read on to find out more about how rodent infestations can affect your home, and the reasons you should leave treatment to pros.

Don't DIY That: Rodent Control

Do-it-yourself household maintenance is all the rage these days, and that extends to rodent controlmethods. In fact, an online search for “how to get rid of mice” or “rodent traps” will give you pages of results. But does that mean it’s OK to try to get rid of rodents on your own?

rodent control methods

 

When it comes to rodent problems, it’s recommended that you rely on rodent control professionals, like the ones at Terminix®. Read on to find out more about how rodent infestations can affect your home, and the reasons you should leave treatment to the professionals.

Problems That Rodents Can Cause

There are different types of rodents living in the United States. Not all of them will invade your home or cause damage to your property, but many will and can, including mice and rats. The type of issues caused by rodents will depend on what species has infested your home or yard.

Mice and rats can both destroy insulation and chew through the coatings on wiring, which could lead to shorted circuits and potential house fires. In addition, they can get into food storage, chew upholstered furniture, gnaw on wood and even destroy heirlooms and documents. These rodents can also leave behind urine and droppings that can contaminate your property.

 

Effectiveness Issues When It Comes to DIY Rodent Control

It’s possible for DIY rodent control methods to be effective in the ideal conditions. However, there are several issues you could easily encounter that might render these DIY methods useless, like:

  1. Numerous rodents can invade your home using different entry points. Each species may require a unique bait or trapping method.
  2. While some people may place bets on home remedies or rodent traps, the effectiveness of these methods can be short-lived or coincidental.

When it comes to controlling rodent activity in your home, removal is just half the battle. The rodents got into your home somehow, and without addressing those entry points, your problem will likely continue. An experienced rodent control professional can not only help you remove the rodents, but can also help you prevent them from coming back.

Does DIY Rodent Control Actually Save You Money?

You might think that DIY rodent control methods could help you save money. But in the long run, you could end up spending more than you would have if you had just called a professional in the first place.

Since many rodents are nocturnal, it can be hard to determine what type of creature has invaded your home, making it more difficult to find a solution. And when you’re uncertain of which rodent you’re attempting to remove and control, you may have to keep trying different baits or treatments, all of which cost both money and time.

Dangers Associated With DIY Rodent Control Methods

To start, rodents can carry pathogens that may cause disease. Therefore, you don’t want to put yourself into a position in which you’re coming into contact with these rodents or their droppings, urine or anything that could potentially cause you or your family to become ill.

Also, some types of rodents, like roof rats, typically infest attics. Properly placing trapping devices in your attic can potentially put you in danger, especially if your attic is unfinished and if the rodents are active.

Because of these dangers, it’s best to rely on an experienced rodent control professional when it comes to rodent control methods.

The Solution to Rodent Infestations

It’s difficult to draw a line between the household repairs or chores you can handle yourself and those that require the knowledge and experience of a professional. When it comes to rodent control, however, contact Terminix for a free inspection. A trained technician can evaluate your problem and help you customize a removal and prevention plan.