Mice and rats are common pests, and they are more than just a nuisance— these pests can damage your property, contaminate food, and spread a number of diseases. If you have rodents making themselves comfortable in your home, you may understandably want to try any number of DIY methods to get rid of them.
We live in a world where most of us have the internet at our fingertips. A quick Google search will yield thousands of results for DIY rodent control, but before you head to the hardware store, let's take a look at the reasons that this is a task best left to the professionals.
Cost. Easing financial burden is often the number one reason for trying to solve many household problems on our own, but DIY rodent control can actually cost more in the long run.
First, mice and rats are unfortunately very smart, and extremely persistent. Second, they breed rapidly and prefer hidden areas of your home, so there may be a much bigger problem than you are aware of. Because of these factors, some over-the-counter rodent control methods may seem to do the trick in the beginning, but they can fail at any time for just about any reason. Next thing you know, you're back at square one, paying for yet another trap or bait, which can add up quickly.
To make matters worse, rodents can do some serious damage to your home, from chewed wires and pipes to contaminated insulation - so while you spend more and more money on methods that don't work, mice or rats are doing damage that can require expensive repairs. The bottom line? Ultimately, DIY rodent control can cost you a lot more than hiring a pro.
Health & Safety. If saving money isn't enough reason to turn this project over to the experts, there are also serious health risks that come with self-treating a rodent problem. Mice and rats carry pathogens that can be spread to humans through their droppings and bodily fluids. Rodent bites, improper handling of dead rodents, contact with their waste or contaminated food or surfaces, and contaminated air put you, and others in your home, at risk.
Guess Work. A random live rodent sighting in the kitchen, a small nest found in the garage, or a few droppings here and there may not seem too alarming at first, but they are often just the tip of the iceberg. Thanks to aforementioned reproduction rates and rodents' affinity for hidden spaces, it is difficult to know the true extent of the infestation, thus lowering your chances of eliminating the problem. While you're focusing your efforts on the garage and basement, several generations of mice could be cozying up in your attic insulation.
Prevention is Key. Even if your DIY efforts are successful (or seem to be), there's more work to be done. Getting rodents out of your home is step one, but you must address the root of the problem, such as small entry points around your foundation or utility lines, to stop them from getting back in. A seasoned rodent control expert will be able to determine how they got in, how to get them out, and what measures are needed to keep them out.
Rodents are one of the most frustrating household pests to eliminate, so don't waste your money, time, or effort on DIY solutions - the experts at Burgess Pest are here to keep your home rodent-free all year long. Best of all, an estimate is always free!
