Rodents may be small, but their impact on your home can be significant. These tiny invaders wreak havoc on your property, from gnawed wires to chewed insulation. The Crawlspace Crew is here! In this blog, we’ll help you identify signs of rodent damage and provide tips for preventing infestations.
Signs of Rodent Damage:
- Chewed Wires and Cables: Rodents have a natural instinct to gnaw on objects to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Look for frayed wires, damaged cables, and chewed electrical cords, which can pose fire hazards and lead to electrical malfunctions.
- Nesting: Rodents often use materials like shredded paper, fabric, and insulation to build their nests.
Gnaw Marks: Rodents leave distinctive gnaw marks on wood, plastic, and other materials. Look for small, irregular holes or scratches on baseboards, furniture, and stored items. - Fecal Droppings: Rodent droppings are a telltale sign of infestation. They are typically small, dark, and pellet-shaped and can be found along walls, in cabinets, and near food sources.
- Unusual Odors: Rodents can leave behind a musky odor caused by their urine and droppings. If you detect a foul smell in your home, it may indicate the presence of rodents.
Addressing Rodent Damage:
- Seal Entry Points: Prevent rodents from entering your home by sealing gaps, cracks, and openings around doors, windows, and utility penetrations. Use steel wool, wire mesh, or caulk to block potential entry points.
- Remove Food Sources: Keep food stored in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Removing access to food can help deter rodents from entering your home.
- Set Traps: Use snap, glue, or live traps to capture rodents inside your home. Place traps along walls, near entry points, and where rodent activity is evident.
- Clean and Disinfect: Thoroughly clean and disinfect areas affected by rodent activity to remove droppings, urine, and nesting materials. Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from exposure to contaminants.
Prevent Future Infestations:
- Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of your home to identify and address potential entry points and signs of rodent activity.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Keep your home clean and clutter-free to eliminate hiding spots and food sources for rodents.
- Professional Rodent Removal: Contact the The Crawlspace Crew to conduct regular inspections of your crawlspace and attic. We’ll remove any pesky rodents and implement preventive measures to keep your home protected.
By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, you can protect your home from the damaging effects of rodent infestations. If you suspect rodent activity in your home, schedule a free estimate with our team! We will keep your home safe, healthy, and rodent-free. Reclaim your crawlspace, restore your peace of mind.