Keep South Jersey Rodents Outdoors!   

Tips for Keeping Rats and Mice Outside Where They Belong

In the late fall and winter, the most common home invaders are house mice. A considerable health threat, these critters can transmit disease and have been proven to be an allergen to children. Rats and mice often enter homes, farm buildings, and warehouses in search of food, water and shelter.
Rats and mice will consume and contaminate large quantities of food. They damage structures by chewing,and stored belongings with their nests and feces.  They carry a number of diseases, such as rat-bite fever, Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease), Murine typhus, Rickettsial pox, plague, Trichinosis, typhoid, dysentery, Salmonellosis, Hymenolepis, tapeworms, and rabies. During the fall as temperatures cool rats and mice will look for a warm place to spend the winter. Structures near garbage bins, feed areas,construction sites and infested properties are at greater risk. To keep your home free from rodents this winter follow these tips.

 

What to Look for if You Suspect Mouse Activity:

 

1 Mice are nocturnal. Listen for scurrying and scratching noises behind the walls at night.

2 Look for small black droppings the shape and size of a grain of rice.

3 You may see streaks or smears of dirt left behind from feet or fur.

4 look in dusty area for tiny tracks

5 If the infestation is bad enough you will smell a faint musky odor

6 You may see an occasional patch of dry urine.

7 Look for scratches in wood and walls 

Tips for fall/winter pest proofing:

 1. Seal up any cracks and holes on the outside of your home, especially areas where utilities and pipes enter your home. Mice can squeeze through and opening the size of nickel.

 

2 Make sure vents are screened securely with metal mesh as mice are powerful chewers.

 

3. Plant trees and shrubbery away from the house and be sure they are well trimmed.

 

4. Store food in the refrigerator or in sealed plastic containers and thoroughly dry dishes and flatware before storing.

 

5. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground, this will discourage critters from nesting and keep them at a safe distance if they do.

 

6. Call Cato Termite and Pest Control for additional advice & service if necessary.

 

7. Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.

 

8. Inspect boxes and other packaging that you bring into your home thoroughly, be on the lookout for hitchhiking critters.

 

9. Call Cato Termite and Pest Control 856 652 0080 for additional advice and service if necessary.