How to Control Rodent Infestations |Verified

If you are reading this, you probably have noticed signs of rodent activities, and you're wondering what to do next. Rafiki pest control employs an Integrated Pest Management plan (IPM) to exterminate the rodent infestation and ensure they never return.

Integrated Pest Management for Rodent Control. 

IPM rodent control is a process whose foundation focuses on constantly understanding rodents' behavior and activity changes. Below is our rodent IPM strategy

Inspection

Inspection is the first and most fundamental step in IPM rodent control. A technician must visit your home or office and do a very keen inspection to determine the exact rodent species causing you trouble. Our technician must first understand the nature of rodent infestation to tailor a highly efficient treatment course. The inspection process helps the technician to understand why the pests are there in the first place, what's drawing them in, and what treatment method will be most effective for the problem.

Identification

We use the latest technology and methodologies to identify the species of rodent invading. Individual rat species behave differently. Therefore, The professional exterminator must first study their activities, behavior, and food source to implement the correct treatment method. 

Treatment

IPM requires that a pest controller should consider every possible treatment option available and choose the most effective for that specific inspection with the lowest manageable risk. The technician will prevent any chances of future rodent re-infestations by sealing all entry points, including holes and openings, to make it impossible for rodents to get into your property. Before treatment, all entry points must be sealed by fixing appropriate guards in pipes and wires, screening off vents, and repairing all cracks and crevices. Once your property is safeguarded from further rodent entry, it is time to treat and control the infestation. The exterminator will expertly set baited traps in safe areas out of reach of children and pets.  

 DIY Rodent Control

Home treatment methods and DIY rodent control can be time-consuming, risky, dangerous, and often unsuccessful. While we highly discourage DIY rodent control, below are a few ethical DIY methods you can apply.

• Notice where the rats come in through. Rat fur and scratches on pipes or walls will be the most obvious giveaway for these entry points. Seal the holes and other entry points to exclude more rodent access into your property. 
• After sealing all entry points, live rats will be left trapped inside. For those, you can use the catch-and-release rat trap. Inspect keenly to see where there is frequent rodent activity. Rodents prefer to hide in the most secret places where they feel safe. Place the traps in such areas, and once the rodent is trapped, you can call an animal control company or release the rat in another place where it will never get back into your premises. 
• Use peppermint oil. Unlike humans, rats do not enjoy the smell of peppermint. Dilute the highly concentrated peppermint oil in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture thoroughly and spray it in all the areas suspected of rodent activity. 
• Alternatively, you can dip cotton balls into highly concentrated peppermint oil. Strategically place the soaked balls near cracks and crevices and close to all entry points. Take caution when using this method since some pets may react to peppermint. 

7 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Rodents without Harming Them.

It can be scary when rats and mice invade your home/office. They can multiply rapidly and cause problems like structural damage and the spread of serious diseases. Below are some of the very humane and natural ways you can use to get rid of rodents without killing them. 

• Onions. Rodents cannot tolerate the pungent onion smell. Therefore, Slicing a few pieces and positioning them where the rodents frequent would be a very efficient way of keeping them away. Ensure to keep changing the onions to avoid rotting away. 
• Use essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus oils. Rodents hate these robust smells and cannot stay in their presence. Using these oils would be a very natural deterrent against rodents. However, take caution, as some essential oils can harm pets.  
• Owl's Feather. Rodents are very smart when it comes to sending danger to their environment. Owls attack rodents and have learned how to escape from them. Use this natural rodent predator's feather against their fear.  
• Human hair. You heard that rodents cannot stand the sight of your hair, healthy or not. You can keep rodents out of your house without much struggle. Strategically place a few strands near rat entry points like holes and in places where they frequent.
• Steel Wool. You can use steel wool to seal rodent entry points. Positioning them in the access points is a barrier that keeps rodents from accessing your house, as they can barely nibble the steel wool.
• Dried Snake or Cat Litter. Cats and snakes are rodents' natural predators. Once rodents notice traces of their enemies in a place, they automatically would never return. You can buy this litter in a zoo or a pet store.
• Mothballs. Mothballs are very efficient in keeping rodents away. Place a good number of these balls in their habitats. Mothballs are very simple to use, and you can purchase them in the market. Wear protective gloves when handling them and position them safely out of children's and pets' reach, as they can also harm humans and other animals.

How to Keep Rodents Away From Your Home?

Every home and business owner strives to have a rodent-free place. The most important thing to do to keep rodents away is to identify and eliminate all favorable conditions that make it easy for the rodents to survive first. Such conditions include their food, water, and harborage areas. Once you have inspected and identified these problem areas, you can follow the following steps to keep the rodents out of your home.

• Remove food and water. Rodents are opportunistic creatures. They feed on leftovers, food spillages, and exposed water. Therefore, keeping the house clean and free of spillages, tightly sealing all food packages, sealing garbage bins, and keeping the tap areas completely dry are critical steps in keeping rodents away.
• Eliminate all possible rodent harborage areas in and around your home. Clear out boxes and avoid cluttering inside the house. Avoid leaving materials on the floor and neatly placing them on the shelves. Trim bushes and vegetation in the outdoors. Remove all clutter and debris, and cut off long branches that may provide a safe shelter for rodents.     
• Block every entry point. Identify all entries like cracks, crevices, and holes where rodents might access your home and seal them. Repair holes and seal even the smallest openings where rodents might squeeze through. 

Rodents gnaw and urinate anywhere, and in the process, they spread dangerous diseases like Hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis. But it would be very inhumane and unpleasant to kill them outright. Instead, we highly recommend contacting a pest control professional when you suspect rodent activities around your home. A certified professional is knowledgeable on professional ways to control the infestation and prevent any chances of future re-infestations. Note that all the natural and DIY pest control methods listed above are only as adequate as to shoo the pest away, and they will return after a few days.