The Dangers of Rodents In Your Morristown Home
No one likes to think of their home as an attractive spot for pests, but the truth is that rodents are found in homes all the time—and not just those located in rural areas. In fact, a study by Rutgers University revealed that rodent sightings were actually higher in densely populated urban areas like Morristown than in any other region of New Jersey. Unfortunately, these pesky critters bring with them more than just unsightly messes and distressing sounds—rodents can pose serious health hazards to you and your family if left unchecked. In this post, we'll outline what you need to know about the dangers rodents present when inside your home, so read on for details!
Health Risks Rodents Pose
Rodents can be a major source of disease and other health risks, as they carry numerous parasites and bacteria on their fur. In addition to spreading diseases like hantavirus, Lyme Disease, and West Nile Virus, rodents also increase your risk for food poisoning by contaminating pantry items with pathogens from their droppings. Furthermore, rodent waste can trigger asthma and other respiratory illnesses in children, so it’s especially important to eliminate any rodent infestations if you have young family members living in the home.
Fire Hazards
Rodents can also pose a serious fire hazard. Rodent teeth are incredibly strong, and they’ll gnaw through almost anything to gain access to food or shelter. This means they can chew through electrical wiring, which can cause an electrical short that sparks a fire. 20% of undetermined house fires are suspected to be caused by rodents. In addition, rodent nests made of fabric, paper, and other flammable materials can pose a fire hazard if they get too close to an open flame.
Home Damage
Rodents can cause extensive damage to your home, whether it’s chewing tunnels through the walls and ceilings or gnawing through insulation, drywall, and floorboards. They also tend to leave urine and droppings behind that can damage surfaces and create an unpleasant odor. Mice are particularly active at night, so you may be unaware of the damage they cause until it’s too late.
How Do Rodents Enter Your Home?
Mice and rats are small enough to squeeze through the smallest of openings, such as cracks in doors and window frames, spaces around pipes and vents, or gaps at the base of your home’s foundation. They can also climb trees, fences, power lines, and other objects to gain access to your roofline. Once inside they will find their way into wall voids where they build nests and breed.
What Are the Signs of a Rodent Infestation?
Common signs of a rodent infestation includes:
- Gnaw marks on wood, plastic, or wiring
- Droppings around cupboards or in drawers
- An unpleasant musty smell coming from wall cavities
- Unusual noises such as squeaking and scratching
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take action quickly to prevent further damage.
How To Prevent A Rodent Infestation in Morristown
There are several steps you can take to help prevent a rodent infestation in your home or business.
- Keep the outside of your property clean and free of debris, such as piles of leaves and garbage.
- Make sure there is no easy access to food sources, including pet food dishes, bird seed, and garbage cans.
- Seal any holes or cracks around the baseboards, windowsills, doorsills, and other openings where rodents could enter.
- Regularly inspect areas around plumbing pipes for signs of gnawing or chewing.
- Install screens on vents or chimneys that lead into the attic or basement to prevent entry from those areas.
If you regularly follow these steps and keep your home clean and clutter-free, then you can significantly reduce the risk of a rodent infestation in your home. Additionally, if you do find any signs of rodents or feel like something is amiss, contact a professional pest control company to help evaluate the situation and provide the best possible solution for your problem. They will have access to more advanced equipment, treatments, and protocols that can help get rid of any rodents quickly and safely. With their help, you will be able to enjoy a rodent-free living space!
Professional Rodent Control In Morristown
If you are looking for professional rodent control in Morristown NJ, look no further than the team at Delsea Termite & Pest Control. We have been providing quality pest control services to the local area since 1923 and have developed a reputation as one of the most reliable and knowledgeable companies around. Our experienced technicians can inspect your property, determine what type of rodents you are dealing with, and provide an effective solution that will help keep your home free from any unwanted guests. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your home against rodents!