Rodent Control

At Proudfit Pest Control, we use a combination of techniques and tools to effectively manage and eliminate rodent infestations, focusing on both immediate removal and long-term prevention with integrated pest managment (IPM) strategies. Here’s an overview of their approach:

1. Inspection and Assessment

• Identify Rodent Activity:
  • Look for droppings, gnaw marks, nests, and grease trails.
  • Listen for scratching sounds or movement in walls or ceilings.
  • Look for burrow holes in the yard immediately adjacent to the house or by the foundation walls.
• Determine Species:
  • Confirm whether the rodents are mice (e.g., house mice) or rats (e.g., kangaroo rats or roof rats).
• Locate Entry Points:
  • Inspect for cracks, gaps, or openings where rodents might be entering the home.
• Assess Infestation Size:
  • Estimate the population and determine the severity of the issue.

2. Exclusion (Sealing Entry Points)

• Rodent-Proofing:
  • Seal cracks, holes, and gaps in walls, foundations, doors, and windows using materials like steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh.
• Vents and Pipes:
  • Install rodent-proof covers on vents and cap chimneys.
  • Use hardware cloth to block gaps around pipes and utility lines.
• Door Sweeps:
  • Install sweeps on exterior doors to prevent rodent access.

3. Trapping

• Types of Traps:
  • Snap Traps: Quick, humane kill for small rodents.
  • Glue Boards: Adhesive traps for mice (not recommended in areas with pets or children).
  • Live Traps: Cage traps that allow rodents to be released away from the property.
• Placement:
  • Traps are placed in areas with high rodent activity, such as along walls, near droppings, or in dark corners.
  • Technicians avoid placing traps in accessible areas for pets or children.

4. Baiting and Poisoning (If Necessary)

• Rodenticides:
  • Carefully selected and EPA-approved poisons are used in tamper-resistant bait stations to minimize risks to non-target animals and humans.
• Bait Placement:
  • Stations are strategically located near rodent activity but out of reach of pets and children.
  • We can provide and maintain bait stations and report results to you periodically.
• Monitoring:
  • Bait stations are checked regularly to refill bait and remove dead rodents.

5. Habitat Modification

• Reduce Food Sources:
  • Store food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
  • Secure pet food and water dishes.
• Eliminate Water Sources:
  • Fix leaky pipes and drains.
  • Remove standing water in and around the home or business
• Remove Shelter:
  • Clear any clutter, debris, and overgrown vegetation where rodents can nest.

6. Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Tracking Rodent Activity:
  • We can use tracking powder or monitoring tools to check for continued rodent presence.
• Follow-Up Visits:
  • Conduct additional inspections to ensure the infestation is under control and entry points remain sealed.

7. Long-Term Prevention

• Regular Maintenance:
  • Offer ongoing monitoring and preventive treatments as part of a service plan.
• Education:
  • We will teach you how to maintain a rodent-free environment, such as proper sanitation and storage practices.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

• Proudfit Pest Control prioritizes safety by:
  • Using tamper-resistant bait stations to protect children and pets.
  • Minimizing the use of rodenticides to reduce environmental risks.
  • Avoiding non-target animal harm with humane trapping methods when possible.

Why Hire a Professional for Rodent Control?

• Expertise: We can accurately identify rodent species and tailor effective solutions.
• Efficient Solutions: Technicians have access to advanced tools, techniques, and training for effective removal.
• Safety: We ensure that all traps, baits, and treatments are applied responsibly.
• Long-Term Results: Once eliminated, we focus on prevention to keep rodents from returning.

By combining exclusion, trapping, baiting, and prevention strategies, Proudfit Pest Control provides comprehensive rodent management to protect your home and business health.