Heavy rains wreak havoc in the Austin, TX area. Just like people get displaced with all the water, so do the rodents. Rodents that manage to survive the disaster will find new places to live. It will take them some time to establish a new colony as they will need to reorganize the social hierarchy, locate food, water and shelter and get used to new surroundings to memorize their movements. Once a new ecosystem has been established they will start to reproduce. Once the population starts to increase so will interaction with humans. Rodents are destructive pests that can spread disease, contaminate food and destroy property. Rodent urine and dander has allergens that can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms. More than 9,000 people are treated in ER departments each year for rodent bites. Right after a disaster the rodent population will decrease so you don’t really need to worry about illness or damage in the short-term after a heavy rainstorm or floods but if steps aren’t taken to keep them away you may have problems in the future!
Rodent Prevention & Control
Other than seeing rodents you may be dealing with them if your notice droppings, runways, rub marks and tracks. You may also notice sigs they are nesting, gnawing marks, scraps of food, hair and noises. The best way to keep rodents away from your home is to remove sources of water, food and areas for shelter. You will need to implement environmental sanitation, proper food storage, rodent-proofing, trapping and poisoning. Store food and water in rodent-proof containers that are thick plastic, glass or metal with tight-fitting lids. The same rule goes for pet food and don’t leave uneaten per food out. Only provide what our pet will finish. Don’t leave trash around longer than needed, keep the kitchen clean and don’t leave food out overnight. Rats can get into your home through an opening the diameter of a quarter and mice the diameter of a dime. These openings need to be sealed inside and out. You will need to use cement with 19-gauge or greater metal mesh or sore screening, steel wool, heavy-duty caulk or sealant and expanding foam to seal any openings.
Entering Your Home After a Disaster
Cleaning around areas where rodents have been needs to be done with caution. This will reduce exposure to germs and diseases. Make sure you don’t stir up dust when you sweep or vacuum nesting material that will contain urine and droppings. Homes that have abandoned for a period of time may have rodents living in them. If you do have signs of rodents then you will need to clean thoroughly. Contaminated areas need to be disinfected before you start cleaning with a 1:10 chlorine solution. Let it soak for 10 minutes and use paper towels to remove it and throw any used paper towels in a sealed garbage bag.
Rodent Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
Dealing with rodents can be tricky. Rats and mice are different animals and the methods needed to control them will differ so it’s important to contact professionals. A-Tex Pest Management have lots of experience and can keep your home rodent free. Contact us today for any pest issues you’re dealing with.
