Mice & Rat Pest Control
If you discover that you have a rodent infestation problem, you may be tempted to try and deal with it on your own. We would, however, strongly urge against this; both in a residential and commercial setting.
Due to the adaptive, highly survivable nature of the pest you are best served by calling in a professional, full-service pest control company. And when you want the best, only Epic Pest Control will do!
Epic Pest Control is the only pest control company that can provide you with a full-service, multistage, and ongoing maintenance program that can handle all rodent infestation situations.
Free Inspection & Quotation
Full-Service Pest Control
Always Discreet
Unmarked Service Vehicles
Rodents Control Treatment Plan
Epic Pest Control can provide both residential and commercial customers with a following multistage treatment plan.
Effective Treatment
We know that rodent infestations are unpleasant, unsettling and cause you to worry about the health of you and your loved ones, and that’s why Epic Pest Control is committed to providing you with a safe and effective treatment plan executed by seasoned professionals.
We only use the best technology and methods and fully back up our work. If you need help with an infestation, make sure your first (and only!) call is to the professionals at Epic Pest Control.
Benefits of Hiring Epic Pest for Infestations
Hiring Epic Pest Control for mice and rats infestations offers several benefits and advantages, especially when dealing with persistent or extensive infestations.
Identification and Assessment
Epic Pest Control technicians have the knowledge and experience to accurately identify the species of mice and rats infesting your property and assess the extent of the infestation. This allows them to develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.
Customized Treatment Solutions
We can implement customized treatment solutions based on the severity of the infestation, the layout of your property, and any unique considerations such as pets or sensitive areas. They may employ a combination of baiting, trapping, exclusion, and sanitation measures to address the infestation comprehensively.
Safe and Effective Products
Our company has access to professional-grade products and equipment that are more potent and effective than over-the-counter solutions. Our staff are trained in the safe and responsible use of these products to minimize risks to humans, pets, and the environment.
Preventive Measures
In addition to addressing existing infestations, Epic Pest Control can implement preventive measures to help reduce the likelihood of future infestations. This may include sealing entry points, installing barriers, and providing recommendations for improving sanitation and hygiene practices.
Risk Mitigation
DIY methods of pest control, such as traps or baits, may not always be effective and can pose risks if not used correctly. Pest control professionals are trained to minimize risks and hazards associated with pest control treatments, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or accidental injuries.
Save Time and Effort
Dealing with a mouse infestation can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring thorough inspections, cleaning, and ongoing monitoring. Hiring a professional allows you to save time and effort while ensuring that the infestation is addressed efficiently and effectively.
Long-Term Solutions
Epic Pest Control offers warranties we guarantee our treatments, providing assurance that they will return to address any recurring issues at no additional cost. This helps ensure long-term relief from mouse infestations and peace of mind for homeowners.
Compliance with Regulations
We are knowledgeable about local regulations and guidelines governing the use of pesticides and pest control practices. By hiring a licensed and certified pest control service, you can ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
How to Spot a Rat or Mouse Infestation
Droppings
Mouse droppings are typically small, dark, and rod-shaped, resembling grains of rice. You may find them in areas where mice and rats frequent, such as along baseboards, in cupboards, or near food storage areas.
Gnaw Marks
Mice and rats have a habit of gnawing on various materials to keep their teeth trimmed. Look for gnaw marks on wooden furniture, baseboards, electrical wiring, and food packaging.
Nesting Materials
Mice and rats often use soft materials like shredded paper, fabric, or insulation to build nests. Check for nesting materials in secluded areas such as attics, basements, and behind appliances.
Grease Marks
As mice and rats travel along walls and baseboards, they leave behind greasy marks from their fur and body oils. These marks may appear as dark smudges along surfaces.
Scratching Noises
Mice and rats are nocturnal creatures, so you may hear scratching or scurrying noises coming from walls, ceilings, or floors, especially at night when they are most active.
Chewed Food Packaging
Mice and rats will often chew through food packaging to access food sources. Check for gnaw marks or holes in food containers, bags, or boxes in your pantry or kitchen cabinets.
Tracks
Mice and rats may leave footprints or tracks in dusty or muddy areas, particularly along walls or baseboards. These tracks can help confirm their presence and indicate their travel routes.
Unusual Pet Behavior
If you have pets, they may exhibit unusual behavior such as sniffing or pawing at specific areas where mice and rats are present, indicating their detection of the rodents’ scent.
Unexplained Odors
Mice and rats produce urine and feces, which can emit a distinct, musky odor, especially in areas where they are active or nesting.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to address the mouse infestation promptly. This may involve sealing entry points, setting traps, and implementing proper sanitation measures to deter mice and rats from returning.
How Mice & Rats Enter Your Home
Mice and rats are highly adaptable creatures capable of squeezing through very small openings, so they can find numerous ways to enter your home or property. Here are some common entry points for mice and rats:
Gaps Around Doors and Windows
Mice and rats can enter through gaps and cracks around doors and windows, especially if the weather stripping is worn or damaged.
Vents and Chimneys
Openings around vents, chimneys, and exhaust fans provide easy access for mice and rats to enter your home. They may climb up pipes or tree branches to reach these entry points.
Cracks in Foundation
Small cracks or gaps in the foundation of your home can serve as entry points for mice and rats. They may also exploit gaps around utility pipes and conduits.
Holes in Walls
Mice and rats can chew through weak or damaged areas of walls, especially if there is already a gap or hole present. They may also access your home through holes created for utility lines or cables.
Garage Doors
If your garage door does not seal tightly when closed, mice and rats can easily slip underneath or through gaps around the edges.
Crawlspaces and Attics
Mice and rats can enter your home through vents or gaps in the eaves and then access crawlspaces or attics where they can nest and breed.
Overgrown Vegetation
Dense vegetation or overgrown landscaping near your home can provide cover for mice and rats to approach and enter your property unnoticed.
Pet Doors
If you have a pet door, mice and rats may exploit this opening to gain access to your home, especially if it is not secured or if the flap is not tightly sealed.
Openings in Siding
Mice and rats can squeeze through small gaps or holes in siding, soffits, or fascia boards. They may also exploit damaged areas where siding has become loose or deteriorated.
Utility Lines
Gaps around utility lines entering your home, such as water pipes, electrical conduits, or cable wires, can provide entry points for mice and rats.
To prevent mice and rats from entering your home, it’s important to seal off these potential entry points by repairing any gaps, cracks, or holes and ensuring that doors and windows are properly sealed. Regularly inspecting the exterior of your home for potential entry points and taking proactive measures to address them can help prevent mouse infestations.
What Do Mice and Rats Eat?
Mice and rats are opportunistic feeders and can consume a wide variety of food items commonly found in homes. Here are some of the typical items that mice and rats may eat in your home:
Grains
Mice and rats are particularly fond of grains such as cereal, rice, oats, wheat, and corn. They may target dry goods stored in pantry shelves or cabinets.
Seeds and Nuts
Mice and rats will readily consume seeds and nuts, including birdseed, sunflower seeds, almonds, and peanuts. They may raid bird feeders or storage containers to access these food sources.
Fruits and Vegetables
Mice and rats may nibble on fruits and vegetables, especially if they are left out on countertops or stored in accessible areas. Common targets include apples, bananas, potatoes, and carrots.
Sweets and Sugary Foods
Mice and rats are attracted to sugary foods such as cookies, candies, chocolate, and syrup. They may explore kitchen cabinets or trash bins in search of these treats.
Pet Food
Mice and rats may feed on pet food left out in bowls, particularly if it is accessible and not stored in sealed containers.
Meat and Protein Sources
While not their primary diet, mice and rats may consume small amounts of meat, including leftovers, scraps, or pet food containing meat ingredients.
Grease and Oils
Mice and rats may be attracted to grease and oil residues on dirty dishes, cookware, or kitchen surfaces. They may also consume fatty food scraps or grease drippings.
Packaging Materials
Mice and rats may chew through food packaging materials such as cardboard boxes, plastic bags, or paper wrappers to access food items inside.
Household Items
In some cases, mice and rats may gnaw on non-food items such as soap, candles, or even electrical wiring. This behavior helps them maintain their teeth, which continuously grow throughout their lives.
Insects
Mice and rats are known to consume insects such as ants, cockroaches, and beetles if they encounter them in your home.
To prevent mice and rats from accessing food sources in your home, it’s important to store food items in sealed containers, clean up spills and crumbs promptly, and maintain good sanitation practices. Additionally, eliminating potential entry points and implementing effective rodent control measures can help reduce the risk of mouse infestations.
Health Risks and Damage Caused by Rats and Mice
Mice and rats can cause various types of damage to your home or property, ranging from structural damage to health hazards. Here are some of the common issues associated with mouse infestations:
Structural Damage
Mice and rats can gnaw on wood, plastic, insulation, and electrical wiring, causing damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. Their gnawing behavior can weaken structural elements and pose fire hazards if they chew through electrical wiring.
Contamination of Food
Mice and rats can contaminate food items stored in your pantry or kitchen cabinets by gnawing through packaging materials and leaving behind droppings, urine, and hair. This contamination can render food unfit for human consumption and may spread harmful bacteria and diseases.
Health Risks
Mice and rats are known carriers of various diseases, including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with mouse droppings, urine, or saliva. Inhaling airborne particles contaminated with mouse droppings can also pose respiratory health risks.
Allergies and Asthma
Mouse allergens found in their urine, saliva, and dander can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals, particularly children and the elderly.
Damage to Insulation
Mice and rats may use insulation materials such as fiberglass or foam board to build nests, leading to damage and reduced thermal efficiency in your home. This can result in higher energy bills and decreased comfort levels.
Foul Odors
The presence of mice and rats in your home can cause unpleasant odors due to their urine, feces, and decomposing bodies. These odors can linger even after the mice and rats have been removed, especially if nesting materials or carcasses are hidden within walls or other inaccessible areas.
Reproductive Rate
Mice and rats reproduce rapidly, with females capable of producing several litters per year, each containing multiple offspring. Without effective control measures, a small mouse infestation can quickly escalate into a larger problem.
Damage to Landscaping
In outdoor environments, mice and rats may damage landscaping features such as garden plants, bulbs, and tree bark by gnawing on roots and stems or using them for nesting material.
Noise and Disturbance
Mice and rats are nocturnal creatures and may create noise and disturbance at night as they move around, gnaw, and communicate with each other. This can disrupt sleep and cause stress for occupants of the infested property.
To mitigate the damage caused by mice and rats, it’s essential to implement effective rodent control measures, including sealing entry points, removing food and water sources, and using traps or bait stations to capture or eliminate mice and rats. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance can help prevent mouse infestations and minimize their impact on your home or property.
Discreet Pest Control
Residential, Commercial and Monthly Plans Available. Call One of Our Experts Today to Get Started.