Essential Steps to Prepare for Professional Rodent Control Services

As you gear up for a professional rodent control service, it's crucial to take some preparatory steps. Proper preparation will not only facilitate the process but also enhance the effectiveness of the service, ensuring that your home becomes rodent-free in the most efficient way possible.

Understanding Rodent Behavior

Rats and mice are among the most common rodents that invade homes, seeking food, warmth, and shelter. Understanding their behavior is the first step towards effective rodent control.

What Rats and Mice Seek in Your Home

Both rats and mice are opportunistic creatures, drawn to homes for three main things: food, water, and shelter. They are primarily nocturnal, so they're most active at night when they're less likely to be detected.


Food is a significant attraction, and rodents aren't picky eaters. They'll consume anything from fruits, grains, meats to various types of human food left unsecured. Hence, your kitchen and pantry can be a feast for them if food items are not stored properly.


Water sources such as leaking pipes, pet water dishes, or any standing water are attractive to these pests. As for shelter, rodents prefer warm, secluded areas. They nest in places like attics, basements, wall voids, or cluttered storage areas, where they can stay hidden and reproduce undisturbed.

How Rats and Mice Get into Your Home

Rats and mice are adept climbers and can squeeze through incredibly small openings - a mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime, and a rat through a hole the size of a quarter. They typically enter homes through gaps in walls, floors, foundations, or through openings around windows, doors, vents, and pipes.


They are also known to chew and gnaw their way through materials like wood, plastic, and even soft metals to create entry points into your home. Regularly inspecting your home for such signs and sealing off potential entry points can help keep these rodents at bay.

Prepping for Rodent Control: Rodent-Proofing and Limiting Food Access

Effective rodent control requires more than just eliminating the existing infestation. It also involves taking steps to prevent future invasions. Below are some practical ways to rodent-proof your home and limit their access to food.

Rodent-Proofing Your Home

  • Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect your home for any holes or gaps, especially around doors, windows, vents, and pipes. Remember, a mouse can squeeze through a hole as small as a dime, and a rat can fit through a hole the size of a quarter. Use caulk, steel wool, or a combination of both to seal these gaps effectively.
  • Trim Overhanging Trees: Rodents are excellent climbers and can easily gain access to your home via overhanging branches. Ensure that no tree branch is closer than 6 feet from your house.
  • Secure Vents and Chimneys: Install fine mesh screens on vents and chimney openings to prevent rodents from entering.
  • Eliminate Outdoor Shelters: Keep your yard clean and free from clutter. Remove potential nesting sites like piles of wood, old equipment, or debris.

Limiting Rodents' Access to Food

  • Store Food Properly: Keep all food items, including pet food, in airtight containers made of hard plastic or glass. Never leave food out overnight.
  • Clean Regularly: Clean up any food spills immediately to avoid attracting rodents. Regularly clean under kitchen appliances where crumbs can accumulate.
  • Secure Garbage: Make sure that your trash cans have tight-fitting lids. If possible, store them in a secure location such as a locked shed or garage.
  • Limit Bird and Pet Food: If you have bird feeders, consider removing them as they can attract rodents. If you have pets, don't leave their food out overnight.


Remember, the goal is to make your home as unattractive to rodents as possible. By blocking their entry points and limiting their access to food, you can significantly reduce the chances of a rodent infestation.

What to Expect After a Professional Rodent Treatment

Post-treatment, it's crucial to know what to expect and how to maintain your home to prevent future infestations. This will ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and safeguard your home against any re-invasion.

Immediate Aftermath of the Treatment

In the immediate aftermath of rodent treatment, you may still notice some activity. This is normal, as it might take a few days for all the rodents to come into contact with the treatment and be eliminated.

Deceased Rodents

As the treatment takes effect, you may find deceased rodents in your home or property. It's important to dispose of these safely. Use gloves, place the rodent in a plastic bag, seal it, and dispose of it in the trash.

Reduced Signs of Activity

Over the following days and weeks, you should notice a significant reduction in signs of rodent activity. This includes less noise (especially at night), fewer droppings, and no new damage or gnaw marks.

Follow-Up Services

We offer a follow-up visit after the initial treatment. This is to ensure that the treatment was successful and to address any lingering issues. We will also provide additional advice on preventing future infestations.

Continued Prevention Measures

Even after successful treatment, continued prevention measures are necessary to keep rodents away. This includes maintaining cleanliness, sealing potential entry points, and storing food properly.


Remember, rodent control is an ongoing process. Stay vigilant and proactive in maintaining a clean and secure home environment to prevent future rodent problems.

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