Winter is often one of the longest seasons for Mainers. Winter weather can last for five months or longer depending on how early the fall colder temperatures settle in. Mainers aren’t the only ones affected by the falling temperatures. While you are busying yourselves with winter preparations, so are the rodents around you.
The most common pests Portland homeowners face when it comes to rodent infestation are unwanted mice and rats. Deer mice and house mice will use any means necessary to protect themselves from the outdoor elements, including chewing their way into your home.
The most common rats in Portland are Norway rats, also known as river rats, sewer rats, or wharf rats, because of the locations that draw them. While mice and rats share many similarities in their appearance, the most significant difference between mice and rats is their size. The good news is that homeowners will rarely have an infestation of mice and rats at the same time as they are both territorial creatures and don’t get along.
Are Rodents Putting Your Family At Risk?
Aside from the initial shock of seeing a four-legged critter scurrying about your home, Portland homeowners should be aware of the potential health risk of sharing their homes with mice or rats. Mice found in your home could be carrying diseases and bacteria such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, tularemia, salmonellosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM), and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Rats also spread tularemia, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and streptobacillus moniliformis, (also known as rat-bite fever). While some of these illnesses can be spread through scratches and bites, humans can also become ill just by coming in contact with urine and feces from an infected mouse or rat in your home.
How You Can Protect Your Portland Home From A Rodent Infestation During The Cold Months
For Portland residents, it can seem almost impossible to weather the winter season without a rodent infestation. While department stores carry a variety of traps that you can attempt to a do-it-yourself (DIY) option to eliminate an infestation, these traps only work part of the time. They don’t address the real issue; how are mice and rats getting into your home?
As the weather grows colder and rodents are looking for a place to spend the winter months, your home becomes a haven for mice and rats alike. Mice and rats will look for any way possible to gain access into your home, whether they have to chew their way in or by finding openings in the exterior of your home. It is essential to know what attracts rodents and what to do to prevent them from infiltrating your house.
Some prevention tips:
- Keep trash picked up and in receptacles with tight-fitting lids. Be sure to store it away from the exterior of your home.
- Since water draws rodents be sure to address any moisture issues at the exterior of your home and the interior.
- Never leave pet food out when not in use.
- Closely inspect the exterior of your home regularly for gaps or crevices where a mouse or rat could gain access to your home. Seal up any cracks with caulking.
- Install weather stripping where necessary to ensure a tight seal on windows and doors.
- Reduce the clutter in and around your home.
What To Do If You Suspect A Rodent Infestation
Having mice or rats invade your Portland home can be a worrisome, expensive, and potentially dangerous problem to have. Don’t waste time trying to catch these pesky critters yourself. Call our experts at Big Blue Bug Solutions today! We offer exclusive homeowner prevention plans and a free inspection. Our phone lines are available 24/7 or contact us online. Let Big Blue Bug Solutions safeguard your home!