When it comes to rodent control in Bettendorf, the odds of avoiding rodent issues are not in homeowners' favor. That's because rodents in our area are clever, sneaky, and, above all, highly motivated to get into our houses, especially in the winter. That's why you will need to be vigilant all year long, particularly when the temperatures start to fall and the days start to get shorter.
Rodent Behavior Insights: Navigating The Habits Of Mice And Rats
Rodents in Iowa are some of the most stubborn and determined pests that homeowners will ever have to deal with. They are often dependent upon us to get them through the winter because, since many of the rats and mice in our area are invasive species, they are not adapted to deal with the harsh conditions in the Bettendorf area.
The fact that rodents are desperate to get inside during the winter doesn't mean they are not a threat in summer. For many types of rodents in our area, our homes remain the most convenient source of food and shelter year-round.
Rats and mice love to eat our pantry and pet foods, and they love to bed down inside our walls even more. Our homes are dry and safe from most predators, so they provide the perfect breeding grounds for these unsanitary pests.
Health Risks Of Rodent Invasions: Protecting Your Family And Pets
Common rodents like mice and rats pack a one-two punch of pest peril. Destruction of property is one side of the rodent threat. Rodents love to nest in fiberglass insulation, and they will shred as much of it on your property as they need to build their dens if given the opportunity.
They also need to chew on hard items to grind down their constantly growing teeth. This can translate into chewing on plumbing pipes full of water or live electrical wires that can spark house fires. No matter how they do it, rats and mice can inflict major damage to your property.
However, they pose an even bigger threat to your health. Rodents spread a wide variety of illnesses, many of which can lead to serious symptoms and even require hospitalization. Some of the diseases that you can get from rodents include:
- Hantavirus
- Leptospirosis
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)
- Rat-bite fever
- Salmonellosis
- Tularemia
These are just a few of the diseases that rats and mice can spread, meaning you are at risk of serious illness every moment they are in your home.
Proactive Rodent Control: Preventing Infestations Before They Begin
It can be extremely difficult to get rid of rodents once an infestation becomes established in your home. This is because rodents breed with lightning speed and because they are often clever enough to get around store-bought solutions like snap traps. This means the best course of action you can take on your own is to prevent rats and mice.
One of the best ways to do this is to make your home less attractive to rodents. Store foods either in the fridge or in airtight, hard-shell containers. Keep all indoor and outdoor trash cans covered, and make sure pet food and pet bowls are not left sitting out.
You'll also need to ensure that construction gaps like ventilation holes and condensation outlets are properly covered with wire mesh to prevent rodents from using them to enter your home. Cap chimneys and repair any damage that could be used as entryways for rodents. Taking these measures can help encourage rodents to move on to easier pickings by making your home a less convenient option than other choices around them.
Professional Rodent Control: Why Expertise Matters
Unfortunately, rodents can be determined to get into your home, and in the winter, they can be downright desperate. This means even the most stringent anti-rodent measures may fail under certain circumstances. If that happens, you will need expert help to eliminate the entire infestation.
Things like bait and snap traps can only temporarily reduce the rodent load in your home, but they will not eliminate entire breeding populations. Only professional-grade rodent control products can do that.
The good news is we have a whole suite of rodent control services here at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators! We're Bettendorf's premier rodent exterminators, and we can handle any kind of rodent problem. No matter the size of your infestation, we've got you covered. So give us a call or visit our contact page to get started with your rodent inspection today.