As winter starts to melt away and the warmth of spring begins, many creatures start to emerge from their winter hiding spots and hibernation, including rodents. While rodents seem small and somewhat harmless, they can quickly become a concern for safety and well-being when left unchecked. It is important to understand the characteristics and behaviors of rodents in the spring so you can know how to treat them best.
Increased Activity
As the temperatures begin to rise, rodents become more active in their search for food, water, and shelter. As their population increases, rodents may start to rely on the food and water they can find around people’s homes and businesses, making the likelihood of encountering them more probable.
Breeding Season
Spring marks the beginning of the breeding season for many animals and insects. Rodent populations can start to grow rapidly if the infestation is left untouched. On average, mice typically have 6-8 pups per litter while rats usually have 8-10 pups per litter. Rodents can have multiple litters throughout the season, resulting in large and overwhelming populations.
Entry Points
Rodents are notorious for finding their way inside people’s homes. Mice can fit through cracks and gaps larger than a dime while rats can squeeze through spaces the size of a quarter. It is essential to keep your home sealed and protected from rodents. Use materials like caulk, mesh wiring, and weatherstripping to keep these areas closed off. It is important to inspect your home for any potential entryways regularly.
Nesting Behavior
There is a lot of security that comes when a rodent nests inside someone’s home. When a rodent finds its way inside, they are guaranteed warmth and shelter, and access to food and water. Rodents typically like to stay hidden and will commonly nest in basements, attics, crawlspaces, and other secluded areas throughout the home. Look for signs of activity, like shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.
Disease Transmission
Rodents can carry various diseases which can affect the safety and well-being of you and your family. It is important to ensure that your food and water are not contaminated with any tracings of rodents. In addition to transmitting diseases, rodents can also cause damage to the home as they commonly scratch and gnaw at furniture, walls, insulation, pipes, and more. Taking proactive steps to prevent a rodent infestation is crucial to keeping a healthy home.
Professional Help
If you encounter a rodent infestation, it is important to treat the population promptly. Some infestations can be challenging to treat and may need professional assistance. Call your local Insight Pest Solutions. Our treatments are both effective and safe, plus our trained technicians can guide you in preventing infestations from happening again in the future. It is important to take these preventative steps to keep your home protected and safe from rodents this spring.
