Rodents of any kind cause a mess wherever they go. You know the signs of infestation – piles of droppings and splotches of urine, scratching in your walls or above your head at night. And if you’re here, you probably know that you can call a technician from our team to eradicate a mouse or rat infestation if one were to form in your home. But did you know that there’s more to recovering from rodent swarms than a quick phone call and a simple procedure?

If mice or rats make their way into the insulation in your walls or attic, they can cause a very big and very costly problem. Let’s talk about that more below and see how Florida Pest Control can help.

Why Do Rodents Nest in Insulation?

Rodents, wherever they go, are just looking for a source of food and a place to nest. And homes across Florida have both of that in spades. At the same time, though, they want to be relatively hidden from any human onlookers, which is why they flock to spaces like your attic and the void between walls.

These spaces are likely already insulated, which is just one more appeal for rodents in the home. Insulation – especially fiberglass insulation – is warm and pliable. It’s very easy to gnaw into and eat or tear off to build a nest. As rats and mice do this, they leave gaps in the wall of insulation, as well as droppings that linger long after they’re gone. So how are you supposed to repair this damage?

Insulation Infestations

More bad news: there is little you can do to insulation that has already experienced rodent damage. The only option you really have is to remove and replace, and we do not by any means suggest you do that on your own. Rat and mice droppings can contain traces of Hantavirus, a deadly flu-like disease that will spread into the air if the droppings are mishandled. A professional has the training and equipment to remove infected insulation safely.

In terms of replacement, there is no insulation material that’s entirely rodent-resistant. TAP® insulation, which we offer as a service, contains enough boric acid to kill smaller pests, but may not work on larger mice and rats. The best way to avoid having to pay to recover from rodent infestations is to keep them from starting in the first place.

Avoiding Rodent Nests in Florida

As we speak, there may be vulnerabilities in your home that leave the space open for all manner of pests. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for rodents and other pests to take over before taking action. Florida Pest Control specializes in rodent exclusion, and we can send a technician to your house with the intention of finding and remedying the spots in your home where rats or mice could get in. When we’re done you will no longer have to worry over every scratch or strange smell. Florida Pest Control is here to make your life, and your home, clean and pest-free*. To get started, contact us today!

Even if you love visiting Mickey and Minnie in Orlando, odds are you’re not too keen on the idea of mice or rats sharing your home. Many people have an inherent dislike or fear of mice and rats and, considering how dangerous they can be to humans, that’s understandable. A rat or mouse infestation isn’t only messy, it is hazardous. Rodents can chew on wires, cause a mess with their droppings, and even damage the structure of your business. With rodent infestations on the rise in 2021 and into the next year, it’s important to learn how to prevent these pests in your home. The experts at Florida Pest Control are here to help—read on to learn about the top threats that rodents pose.

Dangerous Rodents in Florida

Mice, rats, and the parasites that come with them can carry a number of diseases, some of which are potentially deadly to humans, like hantavirus, listeria, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis, and even the bubonic plague. Admittedly, most of these diseases are more common in other parts of the world than they are in Florida, but it should help you understand why people and non-domesticated rodents should maintain separate residences.

Mice and rats can also play a large role in contributing to dangerous allergies. A national study detected mouse urine levels that could trigger allergies in 35% of homes. Trace amounts or higher were found in 82% of homes. Mouse droppings are also an allergy issue. There are as many people allergic to mouse droppings as there are to mold and dust. Exposure to mouse allergen is a known cause of asthma in children and adults.

Additionally, rodents eat just about anything—including items in your home. Their teeth can gnaw through insulation, wallboards, cardboard, even wood. Some are especially fond of electrical wiring and that can lead to real danger. Exposed wires resulting from mice are believed to cause 25% of U.S. house fires!

How to Keep House Mice & Rats Out

If you want to stay safe from the dangers of house mice and rats, it’s important to prevent them in the first place. Once they get indoors, rats and mice are likely to hide away in your attic, kitchen, garage, and other places where they can stay warm and have access to food. Exclusion is the key to getting rid of rat problems for good:

1. Inspect your property to look for any openings rodents may have snuck through. By sealing these openings and closing up gaps around vents and soffits, you can effectively keep rodents out.
2. Further rat-proof your property by repairing your roof and monitoring drains. By limiting their access points, you can get rid of the means by which rodents get inside of your property.
3. Look into traps and baits. If you have just a couple of rodents in your property, you can effectively get rid of them using bait or traps. Keep in mind this is not a strong enough solution to get rid of an entire infestation.
4. Get professional rodent control services. If you have a serious rodent problem, the best thing you can do is hire a pest control expert. A professional will know to safely and effectively get rid of the pests for good.

Get Rid of Dangerous Rodents For Good

Many people believe if they’ve never seen a mouse or rat in their home, they’re not there. That’s overly optimistic. Rodents can be quite secretive and live in your home for a long time without you noticing. Even if they’re not in your home yet, they soon could be.

Florida Pest Control offers rodent control and exclusion services. Our experts are trained to locate areas of rodent activity and potential rodent entry points. Contact Florida Pest Control today and we will perform a rodent control inspection to ensure you, your family, and your home are protected.