Stop Rodents Before They Take Over Your Knoxville Home
Few things are more upsetting than seeing a rat scurrying away when you enter the kitchen. Unfortunately, rodents are common in the area and can readily take over.
In this blog on rodent control in Knoxville, the Urbanex pros will show you how to identify a rat intrusion and explain why these unwanted guests can make you sick. We will also cover the basics of proactive rodent control and the secret to eliminating them for good.
How To Identify A Rodent Infestation In Your House
Learning to identify a rodent infestation is essential to keeping your loved ones safe. Here's what to look for:
- Unusual gnaw marks: Most rodents have ever-growing incisors they must trim regularly. They will do so by chewing on your furniture, electrical wiring, and more. This destructive habit can cause fires and expensive damage.
- Feces in and around the house: If you see dark pellets with pointed or blunt ends, they could be rodent droppings.
- Greasy rub marks: Some rodents, like rats, will leave oily trails along walls and baseboards as they scurry through their favorite paths.
- Strange sounds in walls or ceilings: Rodents are primarily nocturnal. You might hear them behind walls and ceilings when the house is quiet.
We recommend reaching out to our pros immediately if you have an active infestation, as rodents can make you and your loved ones sick.
Can Rodents In Your House Make You Sick?
Rodents can make your family sick in many ways. These opportunistic scavengers typically spend considerable time picking up multiple pathogens in sewers and trash piles. They will carry diseases like salmonella into your home, and the risk of contamination will increase as the colony grows.
House rodents are notorious for spending time in areas where we store food and eat. Pantries and kitchens provide everything they need to thrive, from food and water to shelter. You can stay safe from these scavengers with proactive rodent control strategies.
Proactive Rodent Control: Preventing Infestations Before They Begin
Proactive rodent control is the most reliable way to keep these scavengers and their pathogens far from your home.
Here are some of the best ways to prevent rodent infestations before they begin:
- Keep your home clean. Rodents are opportunistic pests. They can survive on the tiniest food spills. We recommend sanitizing floors and counters regularly, especially at the end of each day.
- Put food out of their reach. Rodents have few reasons to invade if they can't find convenient food sources. Keep pantry items in sturdy plastic or glass containers.
- Minimize moisture problems. Many pests need moisture to thrive, and rodents are no exception. If you suspect an infestation, fix leaks around your home and keep humidity levels low.
- Maintain your yard. Most rodents start a colony outdoors before entering homes. Keep plants and grass trimmed to remove hiding spots where they can multiply.
- Keep all trash cans closed. Garbage cans, inside and outside your house, are significant attractants. Keep pests away by keeping all bins closed and clean.
If these natural ways to deter rodents are not enough to keep them out, it is time to learn the secret to complete rodent control.
The Secret To Complete Rodent Control For Your Home
The secret to complete rodent control in Knoxville is simple. You need to keep up with prevention strategies like the ones we listed above and rely on professional approaches when you need more.
At Urbanex, we will identify all signs of rodents on your property, including nesting areas and entry points, before recommending a thorough removal strategy. We typically use a blend of baiting and trapping to ensure complete elimination, followed by long-term baiting for continued results. We also provide a 30-day follow-up and bimonthly checks with free disposal of rodents between visits.
Call the Urbanex rodent exterminators today to schedule a free inspection and learn how to keep your home free of these unwanted invaders.
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