Rat and Mice Control
From Grass Valley and Auburn up to South Lake Tahoe and Truckee (and across the rest of the world), rats will always be get into a attics, crawlspaces, and scratching in the walls
Rats and mice, with their stealthy movements and rapid reproduction rates, can swiftly become a source of frustration when they infiltrate your home in Northern California. Not only do they cause structural damage and contaminate food supplies, but their presence can also pose health risks to your family. In this article, we'll explore effective rodent control.
The Challenge of Rat and Mouse Control
Northern California poses a real challenge when it come to long term rodent control. Multiple species from wood rats and meadow voles at lower elevations near Grass Valley to norway rats, pack rats, and other chewing rodents at higher elevations In Truckee means your home is being constantly explored by new species. Constant flowing creeks, pine seed bearing trees, and blackberries mean food and habitat are never in short supply.
Because of this, we never use poison, opting to seal your home against rats, mice, and squirrels with sheet metal, steel vent covers, and quality sealants. Heres our process:
Step 1: Thorough Inspection
Start by inspecting your home for potential entry points, being incredibly meticulous. Rats are both excellent chewers and climbers.
At the foundation Level be sure to inspect
Crawlspace vents for broken screens
Crawlspace Doors
Pipe Penetrations
Dryer Vents
Siding to Foundation Gap
At the roof line and above be se to look for
Broken Siding Vents
Construction gap between shingle and fascia board
Roof Returns
Exhaust vents
Mushroom and Roof Vents
Ridge Vent
Siding holes caused by woodpeckers
Step 2: Rodent-Proofing Measures, Exclusion Process
After inspecting your home for rat infestation, you will need to seal all openings that rodents are entering. Install sheet metal over chewed holes and construction gaps that are not meant to be ventilated. Remember, rats have been know to chew through light weight aliminum flashing. For broken screens, we replace them from the exterior using ¼ inch hardware cloth metal mesh.. We use a pvc coated steel mesh to protect it long term from the elements, but you can paint yours to give it longer term protection.
Always remember, there is no such thing as rodent proof foam. Rats, mice and squirrels can chew through wood and metal. There is no foam product that will do the trick
Step 3: Trapping and Removal
When it comes to rats and mice, trapping is almost always a necessary part of the process. We never use glue boards and our we always use poison free rodent control. We use large amounts of snap traps professionally baited to remove the current infestation. When we get the resident population out, new ones are less likely to persistently try to invade your home.
Step 4: Cleanup and Sanitation
Rodents always leave behind urine, droppings, and pheromones. More so they often damage insulation. While there is no hard and fast rules, we find that in Nevada City and Grass Valley rats and mice in the attic ruin batted insulation. When left unchecked a rodent infestation can often lead homeowners to need an entire attic restoration. With not many true attic space in Truckee, Tahoe CIty, and South Lake it is more common to find insulation damage and vapor barrier in crawlspaces under the house. Regardless, it is important to remove and sanitize heavily soiled insulation
Conclusion
In Truckee and Tahoe, rat and mouse control requires a proactive and comprehensive approach that addresses entry points, utilizes trapping and exclusion methods, and emphasizes cleanup and sanitation. By implementing these correctly and avoiding the use of rodenticide poisons, you can effectively manage rat and mouse infestations and protect your home and family from harm. With diligence and persistence, you can enjoy a rodent-free living environment and maintain the integrity of your property for years to come.
