Which common household pest do you think causes the loudest screams from people as well as overall profound feelings of YUCK!? Which common household pest do you think causes the loudest screams from people as well as overall profound feelings of YUCK!?

For most, the answer is some form of rodent. Whether it is a rat in the garage, a mouse in the pantry, or some squirrels in the attic, a rodent is a seriously unwelcome house guest.

Rodents are one of the top wildlife pest control requests. In addition to being generally annoying and gross, these little creatures can constitute a serious health risk. Their eating and living habits can cause illness and threaten your home’s safety.

- Rodents consume your food and contaminate it with urine and excrement.
- They will gnaw on wiring, which can cause electrical fires.
- Rodents carry disease-bearing fleas, posing a risk of a secondary pest infestation.
- They are known to bite.
- Rodents reproduce at an alarming rate. A single female rat can bear up to 80+ offspring in her lifetime, which is only around year or two long in the wild.
- Fecal material can become airborne, causing asthma and other respiratory problems.

It’s easy to see how problematic a rodent infestation can become. New Jersey pest control agents can help get these animals out of your home and keep them out. There are a number of techniques that they may use to treat the issue and prevent it from happening again.

Your pest control agent will start with a thorough inspection to identify the problem. One of the first things he or she will look for is droppings. The varying species of rodent leave different sizes and types of dropping. A trained technician will be able to determine a great deal from this clue. He will also look for gnawed wood and other materials. He should look in both your crawlspaces and attic as well as underneath your home.

Removal and eradication methods can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the circumstances of the homeowner. Some pest control practitioners prefer trapping rodents in smaller-scale infestations and in homes with pets and young children. (Chemical and baits may be dangerous for the family in these cases.) Traps are also a good option for homeowners wishing to follow green pest control practices. In other cases, the agent may use baits or poisons to kill a rodent population.

Once a nest is eliminated, your New Jersey pest control agent should use exclusion and cultural controls to make sure the issue is not repeated. Exclusion techniques are used to seal off entry points so pests cannot enter. Cultural controls are recommendations to make the environment of the home less attractive to pests.

Your agent may recommend caulking holes or cracks to keep rodents out. Attic and eaves vents can be covered with mesh screens to thwart rodents trying to gain access from the roof. He may ask you to trim back overhanging tree limbs to keep squirrels from jumping onto the roof from the trees.

Getting rid of rodents takes knowledge and skill. Keeping them from returning takes work. Ask your pest control agent what you can do to keep your home healthy and safe from rodents.