There is nothing worse for a homeowner than the prospect of dealing with a rodent infestation in your home. The thought of rats and other critters scurrying around behind your walls and in your attic and crawl spaces is disturbing, to say the least.
In addition, rodents and other pests can create an unhealthy environment for you and your family while at the same time potentially inflicting significant structural damage to your home. When dealing with the problem, there are two distinct routes usually recommended, a program of extermination and a strategy to provide rodent proofing.
What is the difference between extermination and rodent proofing?
Understanding the difference between extermination and rodent proofing is critical to successfully mitigating your pest infestation. You want to choose the program that not only meets your needs but also solves your rat problem in the long run.
When you hear a pest control company describing their extermination services, what it all boils down to is poison and traps. In the simplest terms, the whole point of extermination is to kill or otherwise destroy the active rat population in your house by using rat poison and rodent traps. While this sounds like it might be the easiest solution, there are several things you need to remember when it comes to extermination.
First and foremost, the poisons involved in extermination are hazardous for children and pets. The process involves leaving baited traps throughout your home, easily accessible to little hands or curious pets. Extermination also creates unsanitary conditions in your home. When poisoned rats die, they often do so in your home and the attic walls, leaving rotting animal carcasses to decompose. This decay causes foul odors and provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and disease.
It’s essential to also keep in mind that extermination is merely a temporary solution. Rats are known to breed very quickly. While killing off some from the current infestation will provide some relief, the pathways and avenues that let rodents into your home in the first place are still wide open and welcoming.
On the other hand, rodent proofing not only eradicates the presence of rodents in your home but also seals off entrance points, making new infestations impossible. It is simple, effective, and better for your family’s health in the long run.
How does the rodent proofing process work?
Rodent proofing is undertaken in a three-step process. First, a rodent proofing professional will come out to your home and conduct a thorough inspection. They’ll look for rodent entry access points and any gaps or cracks that a rat can exploit. Without these avenues of approach, the infestation is impossible.
Next, your professional will seal all entry points with professional-grade sealant and steel mesh. This denies access to new rodents, protecting your home from new infestation. Finally, once all entry points are fully sealed, we’ll clean, sanitize, disinfect, and deodorize your attic.
If you have a rodent infestation and are considering the best approach, contact us ASAP. We’ll come out, assess your situation, and work with you to create a plan that works best for you and your home.
We look forward to helping make your house a healthier, safer home!
