October weather has finally arrived in Illinois, bringing with it much cooler temperatures throughout the entire Midwest. As the temperatures drop, outdoor pests will begin looking for better and warmer places in which to hunker down and to escape from the cold. As the fall weather pushes rodents into residential homes, at Anderson Pest Solutions we believe now is the time to start thinking about rodent control before an infestation breaks out this coming winter.
The Problem with Rodents
Rodents come in all shapes and sizes, from fluffy-tailed squirrels to oversized roof rats. Whether it’s a field mouse or a chipmunk, all rodents have one thing in common: They love to chew. Because a rodent’s incisors never stop growing, it has to gnaw on things to wear down its teeth; otherwise, the incisors could grow through its lower jaw and prevent the rodent from opening its mouth.
From drywall to hardwood, a rodent can chew through most anything, making the walls and other objects in your home perfect for wearing down its teeth. It can also chew through wires, causing short circuits or potential fires under the right conditions. If squirrels or mice get into your attic or basement, they will chew holes in your boxes and build nests within furniture, clothing and the walls.
These pests also leave behind dander, which can cause allergic reactions such as hives or asthma attacks. When rodents get into your cabinets and pantries, they contaminate food items as they chew through boxes and bags or leave behind urine and feces. Eating and touching contaminated items puts you in direct contact with infectious rodent-borne diseases such as rat-bite fever. Because female rodents such as rats can breed as many as 15 times in one year, it won’t take long before a colony has infested your home through the fall and the winter.
Why Preventative Pest Control is Important
Rodents can squeeze through tiny cracks, crevices and other openings around your home. Once inside, it won’t take long for them to find a hiding place out of sight. Anderson Pest Solutions can identify and block these pest entryways and prevent entrance into your home. Without preventative rodent control, rodents can come inside and breed through the fall, creating a massive and serious infestation. Our team will not only eradicate existing infestations but also create a barrier that future-proofs your home against rodents and other outdoor pests. Contact us to schedule your next appointment today.
