Ah, the backyard—a sanctuary of relaxation, play, and picnics. But watch out! There’s a sneaky bunch lurking around, waiting for the perfect opportunity to crash your outdoor party: rodents! Fear not, for we have some fun and creative tips to help you keep your backyard clean, tidy, and rodent-free. Let’s dive into the wild world of rodent repulsion and turn your backyard into an unwelcome territory for these uninvited guests.
Musical Chairs for Trash Cans
Rodents love to rummage through trash cans, but we have a clever solution: musical chairs for trash cans! Assign a designated spot for your trash cans and periodically rotate their locations. This confuses the clever critters, making it harder for them to locate a consistent food source. Plus, it adds an element of surprise to your backyard game of “Keep Away from the Rats!”
DCF 1.0
Scarecrow of Distractions
Who said scarecrows were just for birds? Get creative and make a “rodent scarecrow” to protect your garden and backyard. Dress up a large stuffed animal or create a quirky scarecrow with googly eyes, a funky hat, and wild attire. Position it strategically to intimidate the rodents and deter them from venturing too close. Just imagine their furry little faces when they see your unexpected guardian!
Dance-Off with a Broom
Rodents are skilled acrobats, but they can’t resist a good old-fashioned dance-off! Keep a broom handy, and whenever you spot a sneaky critter scurrying about, challenge it to a dance battle. Bust out your best moves, and the bewildered rodent won’t know what hit them. Just make sure your neighbors don’t catch you mid-groove—it could be the talk of the town!
Camouflaged Traps
Who says rodent control can’t be stylish? Spruce up your yard by turning your rodent traps into artistic masterpieces. Paint them in vibrant colors and patterns that blend with your garden decor. This way, the traps become part of the scenery while silently protecting your backyard from rodent invasions. It’s like having a secret superhero squad guarding your outdoor haven!
Citrus Paradise
Rodents have a keen sense of smell, so let’s use that to our advantage. Create a citrus paradise in your backyard by planting lemon, lime, or orange trees. Not only do these trees add a refreshing touch to your outdoor space, but the strong citrus scent also acts as a natural repellent to rodents. It’s like having a mini tropical getaway right in your backyard!
Rodent Olympics Obstacle Course
Why let rodents have all the fun? Set up an obstacle course in your backyard that challenges their agility and dexterity. Install ramps, tunnels, and mazes made from PVC pipes, old toys, and recycled materials. The rodents will be so engrossed in navigating the course that they’ll forget about exploring your garden. Plus, it’s an entertaining spectacle for you and your friends to enjoy while sipping lemonade on the sidelines.
Conclusion
Keeping your backyard clean and repelling rodents doesn’t have to be a dull task. Embrace your creativity and turn rodent control into a fun and playful adventure. With musical chairs for trash cans, dancing broom battles, camouflaged traps, citrus paradises, and rodent Olympics, your backyard will become a fortress of fun that rodents wouldn’t dare enter. So, put on your dancing shoes, grab a broom, and let the rodent repulsion games begin!
If this doesn’t work, or you just want to hire a professional natural pest control team, contact us today and let us handle your rodent problems.
Rodents, with their nimble bodies and incessant curiosity, can quickly become unwelcome guests in our homes. To effectively prevent rodent infestations, it’s crucial to understand what lures them in the first place. In this article, we’ll delve into the factors that attract rodents the most and explore practical strategies to avoid enticing these unwanted visitors. By making our homes less appealing to rodents, we can safeguard our spaces and maintain a rodent-free environment.
Food Sources: The Ultimate Attraction
The presence of accessible food is the primary factor that attracts rodents. They have an exceptional sense of smell and can detect even the tiniest morsels of sustenance. To avoid drawing them in, store food in airtight containers made of glass or plastic. Keep countertops clean, promptly clean up spills, and sweep floors regularly to remove crumbs and food residue. Properly seal trash cans, dispose of garbage regularly, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
Clutter and Hiding Places: Rodent Hideouts
Cluttered spaces provide rodents with abundant hiding places and nesting sites. Remove clutter from your surroundings, both indoors and outdoors, to eliminate potential rodent havens. Pay special attention to attics, basements, and storage areas where rodents can easily establish nests. Keep firewood stacks away from the house, and store items off the ground to minimize potential hiding spots.
Entry Points: The Pathway In
Rodents can squeeze through remarkably small openings, so it’s crucial to seal off potential entry points. Inspect your home for gaps around doors, windows, utility lines, and pipes. Use caulk, weatherstripping, or mesh wire to seal these openings. Check for cracks in the foundation and repair them promptly. Install door sweeps and ensure screens are intact to prevent rodents from sneaking in.
Water Sources: Parched Rodent Prevention
Rodents require a water source to survive, so it’s essential to eliminate any standing water or sources of moisture. Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and any plumbing issues promptly. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the foundation. Avoid overwatering plants and promptly remove any standing water in outdoor containers or saucers.
Proper Waste Management: A Rodent Deterrent
Rodents are opportunistic scavengers, and waste can be a readily available food source for them. Proper waste management is essential in avoiding rodent attraction. Use secure, lidded trash cans both indoors and outdoors. Keep garbage areas clean and regularly remove trash from your property. If you have compost bins, use ones specifically designed to deter rodents and avoid adding meat or oily food scraps.
Maintenance and Regular Inspections: Staying One Step Ahead
Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial in avoiding rodent infestations. Keep your property well-maintained, with trimmed trees and shrubs that don’t provide easy access to your home. Regularly check for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or unusual sounds. Early detection allows for swift action and prevents infestations from taking hold.
Conclusion
Preventing rodents from infiltrating our homes starts with understanding what attracts them in the first place. By addressing the factors that entice rodents, such as easily accessible food, clutter, entry points, and water sources, we can significantly reduce the risk of infestations. Regular maintenance, proper waste management, and a proactive approach to sealing potential entry points are essential steps in creating an inhospitable environment for rodents. By implementing these strategies, we can effectively deter rodents and maintain a clean, rodent-free living space.
Contact us today if you are dealing with rodents. We love to help our neighbors.
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Washington State lies a haven of natural beauty and abundant wildlife. However, along with the splendor, pests can sometimes disrupt the harmony of this picturesque region. Fortunately, there’s a solution that aligns with Washington’s commitment to environmental preservation—natural pest control. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the benefits of harnessing nature’s power to combat pests, creating a balanced and sustainable coexistence with the diverse ecosystems of Washington State.
Washington State is renowned for its pristine wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Embracing natural pest control methods honors the state’s commitment to environmental harmony. By utilizing organic, plant-based, and eco-friendly solutions, we can minimize the impact on fragile ecosystems, protecting the biodiversity and delicate balance of Washington’s flora and fauna.
Non-Toxic Solutions: Safeguarding Health and Well-being
Traditional pest control methods often rely on chemical pesticides that can have adverse effects on human health and wildlife. Natural pest control methods provide a non-toxic alternative, ensuring the safety and well-being of both humans and the environment. By using plant-derived ingredients, essential oils, and biological controls, we can combat pests effectively without compromising the health of our families, pets, or the ecosystem.
Protecting Beneficial Insects: Guardians of the Garden
In Washington’s lush gardens and agricultural landscapes, beneficial insects play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Natural pest control methods prioritize the preservation of these beneficial insects, such as bees, ladybugs, and butterflies. By avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides that harm both pests and beneficial insects, we allow these garden defenders to thrive, ensuring pollination, natural pest control, and the preservation of a balanced ecosystem.
Sustainable Agriculture: Nurturing the Land
Washington State boasts a thriving agricultural industry, producing an array of crops. Natural pest control aligns perfectly with sustainable agriculture practices. By utilizing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides. IPM emphasizes preventive measures, monitoring, and targeted treatments, reducing pesticide use and minimizing harm to the environment. This sustainable approach ensures the long-term health and productivity of Washington’s agricultural lands.
Resilient Pest Management: Targeted and Effective
Natural pest control methods emphasize long-term solutions and resilience. Rather than relying solely on chemical eradication, natural approaches address the root causes of pest problems. By focusing on prevention, cultural practices, and natural remedies, we create an environment that is less hospitable to pests. Natural pest control methods, such as biological controls, pheromone traps, and companion planting, target specific pests while maintaining the natural balance of Washington’s ecosystems.
Eco-Conscious Communities: Inspiring Change
Natural pest control methods inspire eco-conscious communities. By adopting these practices, individuals and neighborhoods become catalysts for change. Sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences fosters a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Communities in Washington State can work together to create a ripple effect, influencing others to embrace natural pest control methods and join the journey towards a greener and more harmonious future.
Conclusion
In the verdant landscapes of Washington State, natural pest control stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship and sustainability. By choosing organic, non-toxic solutions, we protect the natural splendor of this region, safeguard human health, and preserve the delicate balance of its ecosystems. Natural pest control not only offers effective solutions but also fosters a mindset of coexistence, demonstrating our commitment to living in harmony with nature.
Contact us today if you have pest or rodent problems. We are here to help!
Do you need rodent control in Lake Stevens? Lake Stevens is a city located in Snohomish County, Washington. It is located about 25 miles northeast of Seattle and is home to approximately 28,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains and its many lakes, including Lake Stevens itself. The city is also home to several parks, trails, and other recreational areas, making it a great place to live and visit. Unfortunately, like many Pacific Northwest cities, Lake Stevens has a rat problem. The presence of rats can be a nuisance and a health hazard, so it is important for residents to take steps to control the rodent population. This can include sealing up cracks and crevices, eliminating food sources, and using traps or baits to capture the rodents.
What Attracts Rats and Mice to a Home
Rats and mice are attracted to homes for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is the presence of food sources, such as crumbs, pet food, or spilled garbage. Rats and mice will also be drawn to homes if there are plenty of hiding places, such as in wall voids, attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Finally, these rodents are attracted to warmth and shelter, so they may seek out homes that are not well insulated or have inadequate ventilation.
Having a rat infestation in your home can be bad for several reasons. Rats can spread disease, contaminate food and water sources, and cause structural damage to your home.
Rats have formidable teeth that can gnaw through walls and electrical wires, posing a grave threat of electrical fires and other risks. Furthermore, these creatures may carry parasites, such as fleas and mites, potentially leading to health complications.
Finally, rats can produce a strong, unpleasant odor and make noise, making living in a home with an infestation difficult.
Rats and Mice are a Problem in Lake Stevens, Washington!
Yes, rodents are a problem in Seattle. Rodents can cause significant damage to homes and businesses and spread diseases. Rodent control is important for preventing the spread of these diseases, reducing property damage, and maintaining the safety of people and pets in the area.
Effective rodent control involves identifying the source of the infestation, eliminating food sources, sealing up cracks and crevices, and using traps or baits to capture the rodents. Professional pest control services can also help with rodent control in Seattle, providing more comprehensive solutions.
Talk to Us About Rodent Control in Lake Stevens, Washington
At Parker Eco Pest Control, we’ve got your eco-friendly pest control needs in Lake Stevens covered! Our team of dedicated rodent exterminators and pest experts can work with you to develop an effective plan for getting rid of those pesky rats and mice once and for all – and we do it all naturally – no toxins or harsh chemicals – just dedication and strategy!
So, talk to us today to learn more about natural rodent control in Lake Stevens, WA
Dirt crawl spaces in Seattle are the perfect breeding grown for a range of pests! Cheeky rodents, cockroaches are just some of the common Seattle pests that can invade your crawl space. At Parker Eco Pest Control, we see many homeowners struggle to keep rats out of a crawl space! In fact, providing adequate rodent control and crawl space repair is one of our most requested services. So, in this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about dealing with crawl space pests in Seattle.
Help! How Do I Keep Rats Out of My Crawl Space?
Rats dwelling in your crawl space can leave quite a mess behind! Feces, urine, and damaged insulation are just some of the problems you may face. There are a few things you can do when it comes to keeping rats out and away from a crawl space!
Remove damaged insulation: Insulation can retain urine, and it’s a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. In the long run, urine-damaged insulation can lead to increased humidity, odor, and mold growth, all of which can affect your health and well-being.
Rodent control is key: There are many different ways you can choose to control the rodent population around your home. Talk to us today to learn more about how we handle rats and mice naturally and effectively.
Managing Rodents in a Dirt Crawl Space
When it comes to crawling space rodent control in Seattle, we have your back at Parker Eco Pest Control. Managing rodents like mice and rats within a dirt crawl space will require skilled pest control professionals and time. At Parker Eco Pest Control, we deal with the problem using a 3 visit plan approach.
So, how do we do it?
Remove those cheeky pests! Of course, it comes without saying that as part of the pest control protocol, we must remove as many rodents as we can from the crawl space. This may involve setting various mouse traps and baits to decrease the rodent population gradually. Don’t worry; we have organic pest control options too!
Seal those entry points! Mice and rats can find many ways to invade your home. A skilled pest controller will examine the exterior of your home and crawl space to determine potential entry points and openings. The aim here is to seal any cracks or holes, which decreases the risk of a population of rodents from establishing.
Rodenticides and rat baits for better control: In some cases, we may recommend placing rodenticides throughout your crawl space to control the rat and mice population.
We Have Options for Pest Control Crawl Space Barriers
Installing galvanized steel mesh along the foundation of your home and sealing off your joists will prevent rodents from damaging crawl space insulation. Buried galvanized steel mesh can also prevent rodents from entering the living area of your home.
Got Rodent Damaged Insulation? Talk to Us About Crawl Space Repair
Rodents can not only leave behind feces and urine, but they can also damage the insulation of your crawl space. In the long run, this can lead to many problems, including poor insulation, further pest problems, and more!
When it comes to cleaning up, sanitizing, and re-insulating a crawl space, our Parker Eco Pest Control team is here to help. Our highly trained team of professional pest controllers works one-on-one with homeowners to sanitize, re-insulate, and repair crawl spaces throughout Seattle.
What’s Included in Our Rodent Crawl Space Clean Up?
We understand that repairing and cleaning a rodent-infested crawl space in Seattle can sound costly! But, it doesn’t have to be. At Parker Eco Pest Control, we offer homeowners several service levels to cater to their needs and budget.
Refresh:
This option is perfect for crawl spaces with minor rodent damages. Refreshing your crawl space will include:
Vacuuming rodent dropping and sanitizing the area with an industrial fogger
We can replace the vapor barrier
Our team can remove sections of contaminated insulation and replace insulation as needed.
As part of our protocol, we install permanent rodent barriers and rodent-proof insulation.
Remove:
This option is perfect for crawl spaces with moderate rodent damages. In particular, it’s a great option for homeowners who lack a permanent rodent barrier within their crawl space. This option is similar to our refresh selection which includes
Vacuuming rodent dropping and sanitizing the area with an industrial fogger
We can replace the vapor barrier.
Our team can remove sections of contaminated insulation and replace insulation as needed.
We provide an air gap sealing service that can cut your energy bill by 15%. Air gap sealing will also stop drafts and heat loss.
As part of our protocol, we install permanent rodent barriers and rodent-proof insulation.
Replace
This option is perfect for crawl spaces with significant rodent damages, including damaged insulation. The replace option includes everything listed above.
Vacuuming rodent dropping and sanitizing the area with an industrial fogger
We can replace the vapor barrier.
All insulation is removed and replaced with new rodent-proof insulation. We even insulate HVAC ducts and water lines to prevent heat loss.
We provide an air gap sealing service that can cut your energy bill by 15%. Air gap sealing will also stop drafts and heat loss.
As part of our protocol, we install permanent rodent barriers and rodent-proof insulation.
Are you looking for natural rodent control methods? Well, let us introduce you to the power of the barn owl nest box. Keeping rats and mice out of your home and garden can be an incredibly tedious task. Often we find that rat control options such as rat bait aka rodenticides, only provide short-term control of rodents, not to mention that the toxic substances are incredibly cruel. But, what if we told you there’s a better way to keep the rodent population in your area at bay? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about barn owl boxes as natural rodent control.
Here’s Why You Need a Barn Owl Nest Box
Barn owls are exceptional predators that often go unappreciated. These deadly hunters possess powerful vision and hearing, which allow them to track and kill prey quickly. But, perhaps the greatest feature of this predator is its appetite for rodents. Yes, that’s right! Barn owls love rats and mice, and in fact, in a single nesting season, a pair of barn owls can consume up to 30,000 rats.
Installing your Barn Owl Nest at Home
For this natural rodent control method to work, you’ll need to make the nest box appealing to the barn owls. This might be a particularly tedious task if you live in a busy Seattle suburb. So, here are our top tips to consider when installing a barn owl nest in your backyard.
A Good-Sized Nest Box: Barn owls require adequate space to nest and grow their young. We recommend creating a nest box that is anywhere from 10 to 15 cubic feet. Entry holes into the nest box should be a minimum of 6 inches.
Keep it Attractive: Adding straw and untreated natural fibers in the box will encourage barn owls to begin nesting.
The Right Placement: Barn owls prefer to hunt rodents in big grassy open fields. As such, we recommend installing your barn owl nesting box with the opening facing a wide open space. An ideal position protects the entry hole from the wind while offering a great view of prey.
High Above: In the wild, barn owls nest high up on buildings, trees, or mountain cliffs. So, make sure to place your nest box at least 10 feet above the ground.
Don’t want to build a barn owl box yourself? Don’t worry we sell the perfect pre-made barn owl boxes that are sure to attract some owls to your property. Make sure you reach out to us to learn more!
Do Fake Owls Keep Rats Away?
Yes! Installing fake owls around your property can act as a great rat repellent. It’s a great little trick that works similarly as a scarecrow on a field, although they do become less effective over time as rats outsmart the decoy. That being said, it’s not the best natural rodent control method as it does not reduce the rodent population on your property like a real owl would.
Rodenticides kill animals slowly. Did you know that rat bait kills rodents slowly? These poisons result in coagulopathies, which means that the animal will die slowly from uncontrollable bleeding.
Rodenticides can harm your pets and owls: Rat bait toxicity is a common problem seen in companion animal medicine. It often occurs due to a dog or cat eating either the rat bait directly or eating way too many mice that have consumed rat bait. Wild animals like our American barn owl can also die from rat bait toxicity when they consume large amounts of poisoned rats or mice. So, keep your pets and wildlife safe by avoiding rodenticides.
Barn owls provide better long-term control: Barn owls that nest in your nest box will continue to nest on your property each season. It’s a great way to reduce the overall rodent population on your property and acts as a long-term rodent repellent.
Parker Eco Pest Control: Natural Rodent Control in Seattle
Controlling those pesky rodents is tricky! But, you don’t have to do it alone. At Parker Eco Pest Control, we proudly support customers who choose natural rodent control methods. We can help you create and install the perfect American barn owl nest box, so you don’t have to worry about getting the niggly details right. Correctly installing a nest box to suit the barn owls’ natural behavior is critical to ensure adequate rodent control. So, reach out to us today to learn more about finding and installing barn owl boxes for pest control in Seattle.
One of the most common ways for rodents to enter an attic is through a gap between the shingles and the gutter. Gaps like this are extremely common in Washington State due to a quark in the residential building code. This gap, sometimes called a carpenter’s gap or construction gap, can be sealed off using a piece of metal flashing called a drip edge. This piece of metal is also known as gutter flashing or rake edge flashing.
How to check for drip edge flashing
If you’re stumped on how mice, rats, birds, or squirrels are getting into your attic, we highly recommend looking at the exterior of the roof line. If you have a hipped roof (shaped like a pyramid) you should check the entire perimeter. If you have a gabled roof you likely only need to check the two sides with gutters.
Slide your hand to the back of the gutter where it’s secured against the house. If you can fit your hand under the shingles it’s big enough for a rat to squeeze through. Remember, rats only need a gap the size of a quarter and mice only need a gap the size of a dime. Rodents usually leave signs on the areas they frequent the most. Look for chewing, greasy smears called rub marks, and of course droppings.
Drip edge wasn’t in Washington code until 2015
Washington State residential code only began requiring drip edge in 2015, meaning If your home was built in 2014 or earlier, there is a good chance you have a large gap running continuously around the perimeter of your roof. You can read the code yourself online.
Should you install drip edge flashing to seal the attic from rodents?
Yes, you should definitely install a drip edge (AKA gutter flashing) to seal out mice, rats, squirrels and birds. At a cost of $10 to $20 per foot installed, it’s fairly inexpensive and will save you money down the line compared to the cost of damage from an infestation.
In addition to blocking pests, drip edge flashing protects your house from wind and water dripping behind the shingles, hence the name “drip edge.” It’s a wise investment for any roof.
Log homes are beautiful and unique structures that come with
unusual maintenance challenges. Four generations of the Parker family have
enjoyed a log home on the Washington peninsula and we’ve learned that proper
maintenance is key. Log homes are often more susceptible to rodents, crawling
insects, and wood destroying organisms, especially when they are used as
vacation homes instead of a primary residence. Today we’re doing a deep dive on
the scariest threat to your log home and your family’s health – rodents.
Looking for rodent activity
With the risk of transmitting Hantavirus, rodents are the most
dangerous log home pest you might face. They can enter the home at any time,
but the highest risk for activity is when the home has been sitting vacant over
the winter. Mice and rats are driven inside by the cold weather and can gather
in large numbers if humans aren’t around to kick them out. If you are opening
the home for the season follow these steps to inspect for rodents:
Follow
your nose. If you open the home and smell urine, you’ve definitely got a
rodent issue. If it seems pee-free then continue down this list and conduct a
deeper search.
Look for
droppings in the kitchen and closets. Mice love tight spaces with food and
bedding. Check the corners of drawers, the bottom shelf of the cabinets, and
anywhere else that is dark and secluded.
Check for
nests. As with droppings, closets are a favorite spot for rodents to gather
fluffy material and make nests. Some
less obvious nesting locations are inside of furniture such as the underside of
a couch, inside of mattresses and pillows, and tucked away in heating ducts.
Identify
rub marks. Mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime. Sometimes its
tough for humans to find these tiny holes. Lucky for us, mice are creatures of
habit, meaning they use the same “roads” often. The little highway across your
kitchen window sill can get stained with rub marks as the mice shuffle along
the wall and around corners. These dark, greasy smudges are a classic sign of
an infestation.
Mouse poop and Hantavirus
If you find evidence of rodent activity you should assume
that the droppings contain Hantavirus and follow safety precautions. Hantavirus
is carried by deer mice and is fatal to
36% of people who catch it. Sadly there is no way to know what type of mice
were in your home. Even if you find a house mouse carcass you can’t guarantee
there were not also deer mice
present.
The key to cleaning up safely is NOT breathing in particles.
Spray everything down with a water/bleach mixture since damp particles won’t
circulate as freely as dry ones. Wear a mask and gloves. Bag all the rags and
throw them out. Do not vacuum or sweep since it stirs up dry particles.
Sealing holes and trapping
Download our free ebook “How to get rid of mice naturally”
The last step is preventing mice from entering your home
moving forward. We recommend our free eBook, The
Complete Guide: How to Get Rid of Mice Naturally. It’s
packed with tips for sealing holes, everything you need to know about traps,
and lots of photos for the DIYer in all of us.
One aspect of mouse control that is specific to log homes
and not covered in the eBook is chinking. Gaps in chinking are an extremely
common method of entry for mice. Be sure to visually inspect your chinking from
the interior and exterior, preferably on a ladder. Given the rounded shape of a
log it can be difficult to see gaps from the ground.
Wondering how mice fit through the chinking? Check out this
experiment:
Preventing rodents
The two best things you can do to prevent rats and mice are
1) Keeping up with all recommended maintenance and 2)Living on the property
year round.
Log home maintenance can be a DIY affair for the brave at
heart but some jobs require an expert. The Parkers use Madrona Log Homes for log home maintenance because they’re dependable, local, and use eco-friendly materials. Who knew
walnut blasting was so cool to watch? Tell
the owner Travis that we sent you!
The second recommendation is often impractical for home owners. But if someone is living in the home it’s very easy to spot problems and head them off early. You’re unlikely to develop a large deer mouse infestation if there is constant human oversight.
Feel free to call or email us if you have additional questions about keeping your log home pest-free.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, 25% of fires attributed to “unknown causes” are caused by rodents chewing electrical wires and gas lines.
Buying a commercial property is a huge undertaking and performing due diligence is critical. When buying a standalone building or a multi-unit property, be sure to have your inspector check for rodent activity. If you skip this step you might be setting yourself up for a disastrous fire down the line. Rat and mice teeth grow constantly, meaning they have to chew virtually nonstop. They gnaw metal wires and gas lines to prevent their teeth from overgrowing and suddenly you’ve got a fire on your hands.
Areas to check for rodent activity
Crawl spaces. Dirt crawlspaces in particular are vulnerable since rodents can tunnel under the skirting.
Attics are a classic spot for rat and mouse nests. Look for rub marks along walls and around entry holes.
Distinguishing between an old rodent problem from years past and a fresh infestation can be tricky. Droppings dry very quickly, so something a few days old looks similar to something a few years old. The best method is by scent (do you smell fresh urine?) and chew marks (do you see newly exposed wood or old, weathered wood?).
If you find evidence of an infestation the next step is figuring out how they got in. Look for weak points… – Roof lines for dormers and other vulnerable joints – Doors not closing all the way – Entry points along supply lines
Pick the right insurance carrier
A fire in an uninsured building is devastating for almost any business owner. Every carrier is different when it comes to fire claims—that’s why it’s important to know your insurance policy inside and out. In fact it is one reason Parker Eco Pest Control has stuck with the same Seattle business insurance broker for years (shout out to Heather Hanson at Northwest Insurance Group!). We highly recommend having a relationship with a broker who understands your business model and can pull together coverage options, financing arrangements, and answer questions at the drop of a hat.
This comprehensive ebook will tell you everything you need to know about getting rid of mice in your house using natural, poison-free methods. A printable PDF version is available for free download.
A poorly maintained home on the block (we know you know the one)
A chicken coop nearby
It’s like the old adage, “You don’t have to run faster than the bear, just faster than your friend.” You don’t have to make your house mouse-proof, you just have to make it less attractive than your neighbor’s house. Mice will go where it’s easiest to get water, food, and shelter.
Natural ways to reduce interest from mice…
Bungee your garbage bins to keep the lids snug
Seal food in airtight containers like glass canisters
Clear a 1 foot perimeter around your house, including brush, wood piles, rockery, etc.
Remove standing water like bird baths
Clean up dog poop since it is full of protein, carbs, and other things mice like to eat
Keep bird seed off the ground by investing in a rodent-proof bird feeder and installing it at least 6 feet from “launch pads” like fences or trees
Trim fruit trees and berry bushes on the bottom and sides to prevent rodents coming up for a snack
Step 2. Seal up your house
How to find mouse entry holes
Check your utility lines to ensure pass-through holes are snug:
Sink supply and drain lines
Plumbing stacks on the outside of the house
Gas lines coming into your kitchen or laundry room
Electrical lines, particularly through exterior walls
Verify all utility vents have tight wire mesh and snug pass-through holes:
Dryer vents
Bathroom fan vents
Kitchen fan vents
Weather-proof your doors:
Garage doors should have weather stripping to close gaps
Cracks in concrete pads (such as the area below your garage door) should be filled for a seamless seal with the door above
Exterior doors should hang plumb and square so they seal tightly
Scope out your roof for easy access points, then double down on wire mesh:
Dormers have complex joints between shingles, fascia boards, and windows that require precise cuts to stay mouse-proof. Time and poor craftsmanship can create gaps.
Attic vents are necessary to keep moisture at bay but can decay with time. Wasp nests, bird nests, and other animal activity can also puncture your vent grates.
Chimney caps are metal boxes that cover the hole at the top of your chimney. Check yours for gaps or rust. If you don’t have one, buy one for less than $100.
How to install wire mesh for mouse-proofing
Select your wire mesh: Pick a mesh with quarter inch holes and make sure it’s easy to bend. We recommend galvanized mesh since it has a special coating to resist rust, making it last longer. You can buy products like this at most hardware stores for about $10.
Select your screws: The ideal screw for installing mesh has a large head so it doesn’t pass through the holes in the wire. Again, we recommend galvanized screws to resist rust. Try to keep the length to about an inch and keep the diameter to a minimum. Using a oversized screws means making oversized holes in your house.
Installing your wire mesh: Cut a section of wire that extends at least an inch beyond the edge of the hole in all directions. Bend the wire so it fits snuggly inside the corner or around edges. If there is slack in your mesh the mice will simply push under it. Anchor the mesh with screws, about one every four inches. When on your roof, DO NOT anchor directly into your shingles or you risk creating a leak.
Can you use spray foam or steel wool instead of wire mesh?
Yes, but we don’t recommend it.
Step 3. Trap mice already in the house
There are two key factors in making sure you’ll get rid of mice naturally– picking the right trap and placing it properly. No matter what type of trap you use we recommend baiting it with peanut butter. It’s cheap, natural, and incredibly tempting to mice.
Why you shouldn’t use poison baits
By far the most common type of mouse bait is an anticoagulant rodenticide. That’s a fancy way to say that it thins the animal’s blood, causing them to bleed out and die slowly.
It’s cruel to kill the animals slowly over time.
Poison has terrible consequences for predators that eat mice like urban owls and your neighborhood cat.
The mice die in your walls. Some pest control companies claim the mice become thirsty, seek water, and then die outside. This is nonsense.
Get more information on the negative impacts of rodenticides from the Audubon Society.
Owl image is courtesy of the Audubon Society
So why are poison baits so common?
Traditional pest control companies rely heavily on poison bait because it is cheap and any employee can do it without training. Setting out a bait box is faster and simpler than doing an inspection, sealing entry holes, and setting traps in strategic locations.
Types of all-natural mouse traps
T-Rex snap traps are reliable, humane, & reusable
The plastic T-Rex snap trap from Bell is a highly sensitive trap with interlocking teeth. They are much heavier than a traditional wooden trap so they stay put. You can also wash and reuse the traps indefinitely, so they are more eco-friendly than disposable traps. The plastic teeth have a lot of force, making for a quick and humane death. The traps have small holes in the base so you can feed a zip tie through and secure the traps on vertical pipes and beams. Parker Eco Pest Control uses these traps exclusively (and no, they didn’t pay us to say that!).
Wooden snap traps are tough to set properly
Victor mouse traps are the stereotypical trap you see in the movies baited with a piece of swiss cheese. Setting these traps involves pulling back the pin carefully, setting the bait, and putting it in the right spot without triggering it. They’re pretty finnicky and go off without catching a mouse often, especially compared to the T-Rex.
Glue traps can be cruel
Glue traps come with a lot of well-deserved horror stories. Mice have been known to languish in the glue, starving to death. They sometimes chew off their own legs to free themselves. If you opt for a glue trap we suggest you use it ONLY under close supervision. As soon as you catch a mouse you should either:
Put on gloves and wipe the mouse down in olive oil to free it from the trap. Set it free outside.
Fill a bucket with water and drop the mouse and attached trap in for a quick death.
Live traps require daily supervision
If you can’t bring yourself to kill a mouse you might lean towards live traps. Simply place a tasty treat inside and let the door snap shut once the mouse is inside. Traps like this MUST be checked daily or you risk leaving a mouse to die slowly from starvation – this is far worse than a quick death from a snap trap.
Where to set mice free
Washington State law (and many other states) does not allow for relocation. That means you cannot release the mouse in a local park a mile away. Your best bet is releasing it back on your property and hoping you did a good job sealing up entry holes in your home.
What if the mouse isn’t dead?
Sadly, mice can sometimes set off a trap with a foot instead of their head. The humane thing to do is put the animal out of its misery immediately. We recommend filling a bucket with water and placing the animal—trap and all—into the water until it drowns.
Where to put the traps
The simplest solution is putting traps where you find the most evidence of activity like droppings, urine smells, or rub marks.
There is some finesse to how the traps are positioned. Mice are neophobic, meaning they are suspicious of new things. You need to make it as easy as possible to stumble into the trap. Look for narrow paths next to walls and hidden corners. Do not waste your time by simply opening your attic door and setting a trap on the open space inside.
Diagrams are courtesy of the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
Step 4. Natural mouse control outdoors
Automatic traps
The A24 from Goodnature is a self-resetting trap that kills 24 mice with a single cartridge. Set it up outside, sit back, and wait. Parker Eco Pest Control will gladly install one.
Owl Boxes
Owls eat as many as 12 rodents a night! Installing an owl box gives you about a 50% chance of getting an owl every nesting season. Learn more about owls for natural mouse control on our blog.
