Proven Rodent Control Strategies For Your Roanoke Home

Hearing the scratching sounds of rodents in walls or ceilings can cause a lot of sleepless nights. No matter which type of rodent has invaded your home, getting them out as soon as possible is critical. Rodents carry a variety of diseases and can cause much damage to your home and belongings.

Rodents often make their way into our homes, seeking shelter, food, and water. They have grown to associate people with all of their needs. If you have been searching for rodent pest control in Roanoke, we are here to help. We will explain the problems with rodents in your home and the most effective way to get rid of rodents.

Types Of Rodents That Often Invade Roanoke Homes

The following are the most common rodents that invade our homes, and some brief descriptions to help you identify them:

• House mice have bristly fur on their round bodies. They are dusty grey with cream color on their bellies. They measure between 2 and 4 inches long, and their tails can be as long as their bodies. Mouse droppings measure between ⅛ and ¼ of an inch long, are rod-shaped, and have pointed ends.

• Norway rats are long, heavily-bodied rodents. They measure between 7 and 9 ½ inches long, and their tails are shorter than the length of their bodies. Norway rat droppings measure around ¾ of an inch and are capsule-shaped with blunt ends.

• Roof rats are long thin rodents that have soft, smooth fur. They are typically brown with some black mixed in and measure between 6 and 8 inches, including the tail. Roof rat droppings measure about half an inch, are capsule-shaped, and have pointed ends. 

If you notice any of the above signs, contact a local company experienced in effective rodent control as soon as possible to keep your home and family safe.

Rodents Can Cause Many Problems Around Your Home

Rodents cause a wide range of problems damaging your house and belongings. They also endanger the health of your family. There are several diseases both rats and mice can bring into your home, including rat-bite fever, jaundice, and cowpox virus. Both rat and mouse droppings can contaminate food and food prep surfaces with bacteria like salmonella. House mice, in particular, can trigger asthma and allergies.

All types of rodents can cause severe damage to the structure of your home and your belongings. Rodents will gnaw through almost anything; Norway rats can even chew through plastic and lead pipes in your home. Rodents in walls can especially be dangerous because they will gnaw on electrical wires creating a potential fire hazard.

The Hassles With Do-It-Yourself Rodent Control

DIY rodent control can be time-consuming, expensive, and usually won’t eliminate the whole population. Trapping is often unsuccessful; rodents can smell us on the traps and will avoid them. You may catch one rodent, but there are many more behind them. Rodents can also learn to spot baits and traps and avoid them.

Some products sold over the counter for rodent control use electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves that rodents find disturbing. Unfortunately, rodents are very adaptable and will learn to ignore these products. Additionally, rodents breed very quickly, and if you spot evidence of one, you likely have a whole family living in your home.

The most effective home rodent control you will find is to work with professionals that know how to deal with the many common rodents we see in our area. At Star City Pest Control & Wildlife Services, our pest control technicians know how to get rid of rodents and keep them from coming back. Please reach out today to ask for your free inspection.