You have noticed recently that there are eerie scratching and scurrying sounds coming from inside your walls. You try to ignore the sounds, not willing to face the reality. But then the reality looks you right in the face with its beady little eyes. A mouse scampers across your kitchen counter. A rat stares back at you menacingly from inside your trashcan. A squirrel scampers out of a hole that it chewed into the side of your house. You have a rodent problem.
Removing Squirrels
Squirrels are actually kind of cute when seen from a distance frolicking in the forest or a park. When they start chewing through the wood of your house and wrecking havoc on your pipes and electrical system, they are not so cute. And when the sound of their mating keeps you up at night, you are ready to declare war.
The first step in removing a squirrel from your home is to capture it using a humane trap baited with bread covered in peanut butter and nuts or seeds. This could take a few days, but once you’ve captured the squirrel, the next step is to take it at least three miles away and release it. Any closer and it will probably find its way back to your cozy home. Continue to set the trap until you are sure that you’ve gotten all of the squirrels. Then call a professional to plug any and all holes in your house so a new family of rodents doesn’t move in.
Removing Mice
There are quite a few ways to get rid of mice in your home. The best way to ensure a mouse-free house is prevention. Hire a professional to do a walk of the perimeter of your house and fill any openings that are ¼ inch or larger. Make sure that all doors and screens are maintained. Also be sure to seal all food – even dog food – so that the mice are not tempted.
Of course even the most sanitary and well-maintained houses can attract mice at one time or another. If you catch an infestation before it gets out of control, then traps are the best method for removing mice. These can range from snap traps, live traps, sticky traps, or poison baits. Of course, if you have a large infestation, you will save yourself a lot of time and energy by calling in professionals to deal with the problem.
Removing Rats
Rats are in a completely different class of pest than mice or squirrels. Not only can they grow to be as large as a small cat, they are also smart. They can smell poisons and have been known to outsmart many a trap. If you think you have a rat problem, call a professional immediately.