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Rodents—particularly rats and mice—are among the most common household pests.  But they deserve special attention because they bring with them a unique set of problems. 

For one thing, they are known to carry and transmit a wide range of infectious diseases that can threaten the health and wellness of your family.  Another concern is how quickly these critters can reproduce.  Just two mice can produce up to 200 offspring in four months!  Rodents are also quite intelligent, which makes them difficult to catch or trap.  They even have the ability to extract bait from the traps without setting them off.  Furthermore, rodents can contaminate the food and any surface they come into contact with, which means even when they are not around you can still contract diseases from their nocturnal visits.

As with most pest control, the best way to control rodents is by taking preventative measures.  Since they often come in to your home searching for food, it is essential that you keep food sealed up and dishes washed.  You can also make sure there are no entry points around the outside of your house where small creatures can get inside. 

Keep an eye out for tell-tale signs of rodents, even if you haven’t seen them in the flesh.  Rodent droppings, foot prints in the dirt or dust, chew marks around baseboards or grates, and even noises inside the walls or ceilings.  

Don’t hesitate to address a rodent problem.  If you suspect rodents in your home, you should contact a professional pest control service like Accuracy Plus California.  With years of experience, we can help identify the extent of the problem and make recommendations for controlling the problem now and in the future.  For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.

You may have started to see traces of a rodent infestation on your property and you are considering the best way to manage it.  There is a lot of information out there on rodent pest control, but take care that you are getting your information from a trusted, professional source.  There are many myths about rodent infestations which you should know about before you decide on a course of action.

For one thing, many people believe that rodents will go outside to die after they eat rat poison.  In fact, there is no guarantee this will happen.  Rat poison usually causes death in these creatures within two weeks of them consuming it, so you have no way of knowing where they will be when it finally hits them.  It is entirely possible that they will end up dying in their nests or in the passageways of your walls an attic.

Another common myth perpetuated by Saturday morning cartoons is that cheese is the best rodent bait.  Mice will actually prefer seeds, peanut butter, fruit and even meat.  You can even use nesting materials like cotton balls or tiny fabric scraps which will attract females who are preparing a nest.

Some people also believe that if they have pets like cats and dogs, these will take care of any rodent problems.  But mice and rats are far too intelligent for your pets—and they’ll simply travel inside the walls or in places that your pet can’t get at them.

Finally, many people think that having rodents is a sign of poor sanitation.  This is just not true.  Rodents will move in and make a home anywhere they find an opportunity. The only thing they need to make themselves at home is shelter with access to food and water.  That could be almost anywhere—even in your home.  Remember to keep your trash containers sealed closed and keep your food sealed up as well.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.

Anyone who has had a rodent infestation in their home can attest to how difficult it is to get rid of these critters and keep them away.  Once rats or mice have made themselves comfortable in your house they will keep coming back despite your best efforts and trapping and killing them.  This is because getting rid of the pests is only half the answer.  The other half involves prevention and it requires an entirely different set of tools.

You’ll want to begin by thoroughly inspecting your entire property, inside and out.  Look for signs of rodents such as droppings or gnawing marks.  Even if there are no rodents currently in your home, these clues can show you where trouble areas might be.

As you look around the perimeter of your house, check for any gaps that are bigger than half an inch.  There are foam fillers or wire mesh that can be easily cut and fit into place.  For larger holes, you might want to use sheet metal or other durable materials.  Additionally, look for old or damaged weather stripping around windows and doors.

Your roof should be clear of any tree branches, which can be used as easy pathways for rodents to get into your home.  The roof itself should be completely secure, including all shingles, vents and the chimney.  Also, any appliance vents or pipes should be equally sealed off.

After making sure that all entry points have been eliminated, be sure that there is no ready source of food or water available to them.  That means keeping pet food inside at night and removing bird feeders or other wild animal feeders.  You’ll want to get locking trash can lids, keeping food in your pantry and cupboards sealed up.

Finally, clean up any existing droppings or other leavings that may attract future rodents.  Use bleach to clean the areas where you find evidence of mice or rats, and around the entry points even if they are sealed off.  The bleach will kill any existing scent that previous rodents have left and act as a deterrent for others.

Rodent infestations are frustrating and difficult to manage, but by focusing as much on prevention as on elimination you’ll be able to solve your rodent problem once and for all.  For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.

A pest can be anything that is unwanted or that causes damage and/or injury.  A lot of it depends on your perspective.  For example, deer are beautiful, graceful, gentle creatures that can be delightful to watch in the wild; but if you regularly find them in your garden eating the lettuce you’ve spent all season cultivating, they become a pest.

Most of the creatures that we consider pests belong in the great outdoors and as long as they don’t intrude on our homes, or invade our backyards to the point they threaten our health we don’t really give them a second thought. 

Depending on your location, the season and your pest control routine your needs can differ from season to season.  However, the majority pests fall into the following categories:

• Insects – Including spiders, ants, fleas, lice, and ticks
• Rodents – Including squirrels, rabbits, gophers and mice
• Reptiles – Including snakes and lizards
• Larger Mammals – Including deer and raccoons
• Birds – Including woodpeckers and blue jays

If any of these creatures have invaded your yard or home, you may be in need of pest control.  Professional pest control services are trained to deal with the specific animals or insects in your area and can help you to not only eliminate them; but they’ll teach you how to prevent these pests from coming back.  After hiring a pest control company, be proactive in staying in touch with them.  Let your service provider know what seems to be working or not working.  Ask questions and give feedback. 

Just because your neighbors don’t consider the raccoons that tear through your garbage every night a nuisance doesn’t meant they aren’t a pest.  If your life is being disrupted by outdoor critters, you need to find a way to take back your home.  Find out what a professional pest control service can do for you.

For a free inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.