Have you heard unsettling scratching noises in your walls at night? Have you discovered mysterious dark droppings? These might be signs of unwelcome guests – rats, mice, and even moles. While these rodents can seem small, they can cause big problems in your home.
Let’s delve into the world of rodent infestations, how to identify them, the risks and the proper rodent pest control methods from Efekto to create a rodent-free living space.
Recognising the signs of rodents
Rats and mice
Rats are clever creatures, often doing their best to stay hidden. But there are telltale signs that can reveal their presence.
- Rat droppings: Keep an eye out for dark brown droppings, roughly the size and shape of a large grain of rice. These droppings might be found near food sources, behind furniture, or along walls. Old droppings are grey and dusty whereas fresh rat droppings are dark and shiny which helps to determine how active the infestation is.
- Scratching: Do you hear unexplained scratching noises, particularly at night? This could be the sound of rats scampering up your walls and inside your ceiling.
- Footprints: Here’s a helpful trick. Sprinkle a thin layer of flour near suspected entry points or areas where you’ve seen droppings. In the morning, check for fresh rat footprints in the flour – tiny paw prints will reveal their path.
- Hidden homes: Rats are master burrowers, creating extensive tunnel networks. Nests might be found within these burrows, ceiling, or wall cavities. Be on the lookout for shredded insulation, another clue that rats have been making themselves comfortable (and causing damage) in your home.
Moles
Moles are solitary mammals that live underground. While they don’t typically enter homes, they can be a nuisance in yards. Here’s how to identify mole activity:
- Raised tunnels: Moles create raised tunnels as they burrow underground. These tunnels can wind throughout your yard and may look like ridges in the soil.
- Visible molehills: When burrowing, moles push soil to the surface, creating volcano-shaped mounds of dirt called molehills. These are usually 6-12 inches in diameter.
The risks of rodent infestations
Rodents are more than just creepy houseguests. They pose a number of health and property risks.
- Disease carriers: Rats can spread harmful diseases through their droppings and urine. These diseases can be transmitted to humans and pets, causing a variety of health problems.
- Destructive chewers: Rats have ever-growing teeth that they need to constantly gnaw on. This can lead to damage to your home’s electrical wiring, insulation, walls, and even furniture. Moles, on the other hand, can damage lawns and gardens as they tunnel.
- Food contamination: Rats can contaminate your food with their droppings and saliva, making it unsafe to consume.
Tips to minimise rodent activity
Here are some proactive steps you can take to make your home less attractive to rats:
- Minimise food sources: Store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
- Secure food and trash: Make sure your rubbish bins have tight-fitting lids and are stored securely. Leftover pet food should be stored in sealed containers, not left out overnight.
- Declutter for discouragement: Rodents and moles love to hide in clutter. Regularly declutter your home and garden, paying particular attention to areas behind furniture and appliances, and removing garden debris.
- Clean up after your pets: Don’t leave pet food bowls overflowing or scattered kibble on the floor. Clean up after your furry friends to eliminate potential food sources for unwanted visitors.
- Maintain your garden: Keep your grass mowed and edges trimmed to make your garden less hospitable to moles.
Effective rodent pest control with Efekto
While these preventative measures can help deter rodents, sometimes more action is needed. Efekto offers a reliable rodent pest control solution that targets rats, mice and moles. This innovative system is safe for use in your home, even around children and pets.
Broditop Pasta Bait
This convenient, pre-measured bait comes in sachets and is highly effective against common house mice, black rats, and brown rats. The combination of oils and cereals makes it irresistible to rodents, ensuring a fast reduction in infestations. Broditop Pasta Bait works in a single feed, whereby even small amounts are effective. This is because the delayed action prevents them from developing bait shyness.
Efekto Mole Repellent
This eco-friendly solution is formulated with biodegradable plant extracts, so it’s safe for your lawn, plants, pets, and children. You can simply apply Efekto Mole Repellent to new mole mounds or active surface runs for effective, humane deterrence.
Here’s how to target specific mole types:
- Pusher Moles: Flatten existing tunnels and locate the entrance. Pour 10ml of Efekto Mole Repellent directly into the tunnel and cover the opening with soil.
- Surface Moles: Find the entry point at either end of the surface run. Pour 10ml of the repellent into the tunnel and cover the opening with soil.
For larger infestations, you may need to use more than one container of Efekto Mole Repellent.
By recognising the signs of a rodent infestation, understanding the risks, and taking preventive measures, you can create a less welcoming environment for these unwanted guests. However, if you find yourself facing a full-blown infestation, Efekto’s safe and efficient rodent pest control solutions can help keep your home rodent free once again.
