There are many different rodent species in Orange County, California. While homeowners are likely to run into squirrels or gophers in their yards, these rodents are not as concerning as those that try to enter your homes and nest. The most common rodents you’ll likely find indoors are mice and rats.
These two critters want to make your attic or garage their home. Insulated walls are their favorite hiding place because they can rip the fiberglass material to create their nests. Rodent infestations can wreak havoc on your home and may require countless repairs.
But when do these vermin make their move, and when should you call for professional rodent control services? That depends on several factors, including the seasons. Understanding the seasonal patterns of rodents can help you prepare and protect your home, saving you valuable time and money.
Why Rodents Come Into Homes
Many people believe that rodents move into Orange County homes in the spring. However, they look for warm, quiet places to live year-round. They likely find your home welcoming for the same reasons you do!
Rats and mice want a safe place to protect them from weather conditions and predators. They also seek places to nest and have their babies. Outside, they may find an acceptable home, like discarded furniture. However, if they can get inside your home, that’s where they’ll go.
Rodents are always looking for food and can find it in unexpected places, like pet bowls. They’ll pick up any crust or crumb they see and leave a trail behind them. You can reduce the attractiveness of your home to rodents by keeping food sealed in containers and taking other precautions to make your home less enticing for mice and rats.
Understanding Why These Uninvited Guests Are a Menace
Rodent invaders are a big problem for your health. Rodent teeth continually grow, requiring them to find new things to chew. When they live in your home, they can cause extensive damage by chewing on wires, PVC pipes, and interior fixtures.
Mice and rodents also carry several diseases that can threaten your health. They leave a trail of feces and urine wherever they go, which can contaminate your food sources and food prep surfaces. Rodent control is essential to protecting your home and health.
Seasonal Rodent Patterns
Rodent activity fluctuates throughout the year and is influenced by changing weather and access to food. Homeowners should always be alert for signs of a rodent problem and schedule an appointment with a rodent control professional.
Spring
In the spring, rodent activity increases because the temperature rises, and food sources become more abundant. Spring is also the breeding season for many rodent species, which leads to more critters searching for shelter.
Summer
Orange County summers are often dry and warm, which increases rodent activity. Fruits, seeds, and insects are more readily available during this season, helping rodents thrive. However, the heat may cause mice and rats to seek shelter. Your comfortable, air-conditioned home is ideal for seeking shade from the blazing sun.
Fall
As temperatures drop in the fall, rodents remain highly active as they prepare for winter. This includes looking for food to store and finding an acceptable shelter for nesting.
Winter
Winter in Orange County is mild, and temperatures reach their lowest point at night. You may notice rodents becoming more active indoors as they seek shelter and warmth. As natural food sources become scarce, they are forced to enter the human world for nourishment.
How You Can Stay Ahead of an Infestation
It’s easier to prevent an infestation than to eliminate an active one. Preventive measures are the best way to protect your home and family from the health and safety risks posed by rodents.
Minimize the Exterior Appeal
Trim trees and bushes so they don’t touch your home, and keep them at least six feet away. Avoid low-growing plants because they can hide rodents and their burrows.
Remove old tires or furniture from your lawn. These areas invite rodents onto your property, and they could eventually enter your home.
Screen Vents and Chimneys
Rodents will find any possible way into a home, including through vents and chimneys. Placing screens over these openings is a cost-effective rodent control method that eliminates a main entry point into your home.
Seal Gaps
Rats can enter your home through a hole the size of a quarter, while mice need a hole only the size of a dime! Fill these openings with steel wool to hinder rodents, as they cannot chew through this material.
Keep Bird Feeders at a Distance
Many people love watching birds eat from feeders hanging outside their windows. However, bird feeders make your home more appealing to rodents. Keeping them away from the house helps prevent mice and rats from getting too close and sneaking into your home.
Clean Regularly
It’s easy to forget about mundane chores like vacuuming and mopping. However, crumbs and spills happen, making these tasks essential. Regularly vacuuming and mopping will help keep human and pet food off the floor.
It’s vital not to forget about appliances. Food and debris can collect behind them and attract rodents into your kitchen. It may be inconvenient to do, but it’s something you won’t regret.
Learn the Signs of an Infestation
When you know the signs of an infestation, you can immediately contact a rodent control company to begin remediation. You’ll know you have a rodent present when you see any of these indicators:
- Chew marks
- Droppings
- Strange odors
- Scratching noises
- Rodent nests
- Pets act differently
If you notice one or more of these signs, getting rid of them is crucial. If it’s breeding season, your problem could quickly get out of control. It’s best to leave this task to a trained professional.
Using toxic rodenticides puts pets and children in danger. They also put wildlife, like owls, at risk. They are natural rodent predators and help keep their population in control.
Call an Orange County Rodent Control Expert
For more tips on rodent control, contact Attic Projects in Orange County. We can help get rid of rodents and make sure they never come back. Call us today to learn more!
