Rats Under Your Roof

Ever sit in your livingroom or bedroom and hear a thump, thump, scratch scratch coming from within the ceiling above? You just might have roof rats....

Roof rats get their name from their tendency to be found in the upper parts of buildings, and can also be found under, in, and around structures. They only need a space of one-half inch to get into buildings.

Ranging in size from 6 to 8 inches in length, not including their tails, they have very poor vision and are color blind. They do have extremely strong senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste.

Roof rats are known for the damage they cause by chewing on materials and eating stored foods.

Roof rats secured their place in history by spreading the highly dangerous bubonic plague. They support many ectoparasites and urinate on food.

If you're concerned that you have rats in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Trust Your Instincts

A Public Service Announcement from PestWorld.org



If you're concerned that you have mice or other rodents in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control
Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Rodents Invade Homes As Winter Chill Lingers

With frigid temperatures blanketing the country, homeowners aren’t the only ones seeking shelter indoors this winter. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns that rodents are also looking for access to warm homes this season. In fact, the NPMA reports that rodents enter an estimated 21 million homes in the U.S. each winter.

While rodents are unwelcome house-guests for any homeowner, the real concern is that these pests can cause property damage and spread disease. Rodents such as mice serve as vectors of many common diseases, including salmonella and Hantavirus, which they spread by contaminating food and food preparation surfaces. Rodents also chew through wires, in some cases sparking house fires.

Here are a few tips to keep homes rodent-free this winter:

• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home to help prevent rodents from finding easy entryways. Pay special attention to areas where utilities and pipes enter the home. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
• Don't build rodent attractions near your home. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five inches off the ground. Keep shrubberies cut back from the house.
• Rodents can hide in clutter, so keep areas clear and store boxes off of the floor. Keep food in rodent-proof containers.
• If you find rodent feces, hear sounds of scurrying in the walls or observe other signs of an infestation, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009 and arrange for him to inspect and treat the pest problem.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Infested!

An insane mouse infestation, courtesy of The Animal Planet.



If you're concerned about rodents in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

How To Get Rid of Mice - Part Two

A mouse is capable of getting through an opening only one quarter of an inch wide. It is important to check for openings where mice can gain entry, such as openings around doors, windows, foundations, and vents. If you live in a mobile home or have a crawl space, check around plumbing pipes inside cabinets for spaces mice can get in. Using steel wool to fill in cracks and openings to temporarily keep mice out is  a good remedy.

There are various types of traps that can be used to capture or kill mice. Traps are advantageous since poisons can be dangerous, and with traps the dead mice can easily be located and disposed of. When poisons are used, the mice often die and are not found until there is an odor. Also, poisoned mice can pose a danger to pets that may eat them. A good bait to attract mice is peanut butter. It is not easily removed without setting off the trap.

Live traps can trap more than one mouse at a time, and the mice can be released without harm in another location. Glue traps will hold mice with a special glue, but they can be ineffective with high temperatures or in dusty locations. It is advised to use caution when placing any traps where pets and children can access them.

Of course, the best course of action is to have a professional take care of your rodent problem. So give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org