The Pitfalls Of DIY Rodent Control

Dealing with a rodent infestation can be a nightmare, prompting many to turn to do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions in an attempt to save time and money. However, the reality is that DIY rodent control often falls short of expectations, leaving homeowners frustrated and rodents unchecked. In this article, our local Virginia pest control company will spend some time exploring the limitations of common DIY rodent control products, explaining why they often fail, and why professional pest control is the most effective and reliable solution to get rid of mice and rats.

DIY rodent control options available to homeowners

Quite honestly, there are a plethora of DIY rodent control products on the market and even instructions on how to build your own. In fact, there are probably too many to list. Instead, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common DIY products.

• Glue traps
  While glue traps are readily available and inexpensive, they are not always effective. Mice and rats may avoid them altogether, and even if caught, the rodents can sometimes escape or die in hard-to-reach places, causing unpleasant odors.
• Snap traps
  Snap traps are a classic choice, but they require precise placement and often only catch one rodent at a time. Moreover, some rodents can become trap-shy after witnessing the demise of a fellow intruder.
• Rodenticides
  Poison may seem like a convenient option, but they pose risks to children, pets, and non-target wildlife. Additionally, rodents can develop resistance to certain chemicals, rendering products that use rodenticides ineffective over time.

Common reasons why DIY rodent control misses the mark

Homeowners do not fully understand rodent behavior

Understanding how rodents behave is necessary if you want to eliminate the entire infestation. Oftentimes, homeowners underestimate the complexity of rodent behavior, leading to misguided attempt to solve rodent problems. For example, rodents travel along the edges of rooms, so a trap placed in the middle of a room isn’t going to solve the problem.  

Homeowners fail to locate and seal off entry points

DIY enthusiasts may struggle to identify and seal all potential entry points, allowing rodents to continue infesting the home. Unfortunately, mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime and most roof rats can fit their bodies through holes the size of a quarter. If entry points are not closed off properly, it really won’t matter what DIY rodent control products you use.

Homeowners risk using the wrong product or creating a hazardous situation

Because of the many DIY rodent control products out there, it’s easy to buy the wrong one. Unfortunately, that can cause the problem to not only not go away but to grow worse and spread to other parts of the house. More importantly, improper usage and applying it in the wrong area could risk harm to yourself, your family, and your pets.

The best way to get rid of mice and rats is to call in the pest control pros

To get the results you want, (in other words, a rodent free home) and to ensure the health of your family, you’ll want to reach out to Getem Services! Since 1922, our locally owned and family-operated pest control company has been helping property owners in Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach as well as across Hampton Roads exterminate mice and rats from their homes.

If you’re hearing noises coming from your walls or attic, have spied a mouse in the house, or had the misfortune to discover rats in your crawlspace, our team can help. We offer rodent control services that include:

• A thorough rodent inspection
• A customized rodent control plan for your property
• An initial service plus three follow-up visits to ensure your rodent problem has been eliminated

If our pest control specialists notice a lot of openings on the outside if your home that rodents could squeeze through, we may recommend rodent exclusion services as well.

For greater protection against rodents, consider signing up for year-round pest control services!

Mice and rats are a common problem in Hampton Roads, so if you find yourself battling these destructive pests on a regular basis, we highly recommend signing up for quarterly home pest control services. Check out our plan details below or request a free quote below!