Rodent infestations can be quite serious for Ann Arbor homeowners.
Unfortunately, rodents are such pests that their populations can increase quite dramatically and quickly (they can have up to 140 mice per year!). Homeowners in the Livingston, Washtenaw, Jackson, and Southwest Oakland areas—call our office today for effective rodent control, including rodent trapping and prevention.
Problems Caused by Rats and Mice in the House
- Rodents can spread salmonellosis, leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and tapeworms! Humans can contract diseases from mice by coming into contact with or accidentally consuming their urine and feces.
- Rats and mice can destroy wall insulation and stored items such as books and paintings, and damage support beams and walls, which will worsen over time! House mice also chew on electrical wires, which can lead to electrical shorts and even fires.
- As soon as rodents get into food storage containers, they render the food inedible to humans.
- Mice like to dig up freshly-planted grains, chew up crops before harvest, gnaw through containers and walls, and even contaminate packages with their urine and droppings!
How to Identify a Rodent Problem
- Droppings: Rats and mice both leave behind small, dark pellets. They are commonly found near food sources, in cupboards, under sinks, and along walls. Fresh droppings will appear moist and shiny, while older ones will be dry and crumbly.
- Gnaw Marks: Rodents constantly gnaw to keep their ever-growing teeth in check. Look for gnaw marks on wood (like baseboards, door frames, and furniture), plastic containers, food packaging, wires, and pipes. Rat gnaw marks are usually larger and rougher than those left by mice, often appearing as paired grooves.
- Odd Pet Behavior: Cats and dogs will stare at a wall, paw under a refrigerator, or even bark when they sense mice are present.
- Smudge Marks: When mice travel along baseboards or walls, they often leave dark smudge marks of dirt and oil along their path.
- Foul Odor: When the urine of mice begins to accumulate, you might be aware of an ammonia smell.
- Scratching Noises and Other Sounds: Rodents are primarily nocturnal, so you’ll most likely hear them at night. Listen for scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds from walls, ceilings, attics, basements, or crawl spaces. These noises indicate active movement and can strongly indicate a hidden infestation.
How Do Rodents Get Into Your Home?
Rodents can enter your home through small cracks, crevices, and holes. Did you know a rodent can fit through a hole the size of a quarter? It’s important to thoroughly check your home for potential rodent entry points.
Rodents are most attracted to food and water sources. To prevent a rodent infestation, ensure that you properly store all food and garbage, and fix any leaky faucets. One of the most common places rodents infest is the attic. Read about how to remove rodents from your attic here.
Once rodents get into your home, it can be hard to get rid of them. Rodents are also notorious for multiplying quickly, causing many rodent problems to get out of hand. Our experts are experienced in rodent removal, control, and rodent-proofing.
What Kind of Rodents Are There in Ann Arbor?
Common Ann Arbor rodents include:
- Mice
- Norway rats: Typically gray or brown, Norway rats can reach nearly 15 inches long, including their tail, which is about half that. Norway rats are the most common type of rodent worldwide, and the most common home invaders. They’re strong chewers and have even been known to chew through metal!
- Roof rat: Largely black in color.
How Do You Get Rid of Rodents?
At Critter Control in Ann Arbor, our process ensures we get rid of the rodents.
- Rodent removal (mice, rats, and more)
- Rodent extermination
- Rodent damage control
- Rodent management
- Rodent-proofing
Trust the Rodent Removal Experts
Regardless of the size of your rodent control issue, our expert rodent control services will help resolve your rodent problem! Critter Control in Ann Arbor can install rodent traps and repair any entry points to make sure any rodent problems at your home or office are solved.
Please contact Critter Control in Ann Arbor today if you have a rodent problem—we can provide professional rodent control services for your home. Reach us for an estimate using the link below.