HAVE YOU NOTICED MORE RATS OR MICE LATELY? WELL, YOU ARE NOT ALONE...

If you live in British Columbia, you may have noticed an increase in rodent activity around your home or business. You are not alone. According to pest control experts, the province is facing a rodent infestation that is unprecedented in recent years. What is behind this surge of furry invaders? One of the main factors is the restriction on second-generation anticoagulants (SGARs), a type of rodenticide that was widely used from 2021.

Rats and mice control in Vancouver

Brown mouse

Mice and rats may come into your home looking for food, water, and a place to live, but they also bring real risks that can damage your things and your health.

Rats and mice can attack people with dangerous diseases such as rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and E. coli. They can also spread parasitic insects like ticks and mites. Things get even worse as some mice can carry and spread Hantavirus, a rare lung disease that may infect people and has no known cure.

There are two ways that these diseases can be spread: directly by bites, body fluids, and droppings, or indirectly by pests. The amount of food that mice may contaminate is about 10 times what they eat.

How we effectively eradicate rodents off your property

When it comes to effective rodent control, 1st Pest Control offers tailored programs that will effectively bring rodent populations to manageable levels. We utilize various techniques, including the installation of bait stations, traps, other trapping devices, or a combination of these.

Let's locate the root of the problem with a rodent inspection

inspectionicon

An inspection of your premises is the recommended initial step towards creating an effective rodent control treatment. They help determine the type of rodent present and the extent of the infestation.

Our technician will look for signs of rodent activity and assess if your immediate environment is conducive to rodent activity (e.g., compost, vegetation, clutter, etc.), as well as identify any possible entry points (cracks in walls, gaps around plumbing, or any other structural deficiencies) where mice or rats could gain access to your property.

The technician will share his findings with you and present you with treatment options that will guarantee rodent activity will be brought down to manageable levels.

Rat and mouse treatment options

Rodent treatment by 1st Pest Control

We offer two comprehensive rodent control programs designed to address rodent infestations quickly and effectively:

Three-month Rodent Control Program: is a knock-down treatment that swiftly controls rodent populations, providing immediate relief from infestations.

12-month Rodent Control Program: For those seeking long-term protection and peace of mind, the 12-month program is the ideal choice. In addition to the rapid knock-down treatment, this program offers ongoing maintenance to ensure a rodent-free environment throughout the entire year.

Rodent control programs

With the extended 12-month program, customers not only benefit from continuous monitoring but also enjoy the cost-effectiveness in comparison to frequent re-treatments.

Rodent control programs

With the extended 12-month program, customers not only benefit from continuous monitoring but also enjoy the cost-effectiveness in comparison to frequent re-treatments.

Additional service: Exclusion work

icon_exclusion_work

Our rodent exclusion work is unmatched in its effectiveness and attention to detail. We understand the significant damage that rodents can cause to homes and businesses, as well as the health risks they pose. With our comprehensive rodent exclusion services, we take every step necessary to identify and seal off all potential entry points to your property.

We use high-quality materials and innovative techniques to ensure a long-lasting solution to your rodent problem. Our team of highly trained professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring your complete satisfaction.

Your Property Protected All-Year Round

To achieve maximum protection results, the 12-month rodent control program offers the most cost-effective solution for long-term protection of your property against rodents. By opting for this program, you can rest assured that your premises will remain safeguarded against mice and rats throughout the year at a low monthly cost.

BENEFITS

  • Regular inspections and adjustments to the current treatment to prevent infestations from reoccurring.
  • Proactive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols applied.
  • Cost-effective solution.
  • Worry-free environment for your property all year round.

Rats and mice FAQs

How to safeguard your property from mice and rats?

Answer:

Seal entry points: Check for cracks, gaps, and holes around your house, especially near windows, doors, and utility pipes. Seal them with caulk, steel wool, or other suitable materials. This will prevent rodents from entering your home.

Keep indoor areas clean: Rodents are attracted to food sources and shelter. Maintain a clean kitchen and avoid leaving food uncovered or accessible. Regularly clean up spills, crumbs, and garbage.

Store food properly: Keep all food, including pet food, in sealed containers made of metal or glass. Rodents can easily chew through plastic containers.

Dispose of garbage properly: Use sealed garbage bins and regularly dispose of trash. Keep outdoor garbage away from the house and ensure that bins have tight-fitting lids.

Secure possible nesting areas: Remove clutter and potential hiding spots in basements, attics, and storage areas. Seal openings and gaps to prevent rodents from nesting.

Trim trees and shrubs: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your house to prevent rodents from using branches as access points to your home.

Maintain a tidy yard: Keep the yard well-maintained and free from debris, such as woodpiles or old furniture, where rodents can hide or nest.

Install screens and caps: Use wire mesh screens on vents, chimneys, and other openings that could serve as entry points for rodents. Ensure all openings are covered with tight-fitting caps or screens.

Keep the garage organized: Rodents often find their way into the garage. Store items in plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, as rodents can easily chew through them. Avoid leaving the garage door open for extended periods.

Inspect periodically: Regularly inspect your house and surroundings, especially during the winter months when rodents seek shelter. Look for signs of droppings, gnaw marks, or any other indications of rodent activity.

Seek professional help: If the rodent problem persists or becomes unmanageable, consider contacting a professional pest control company such as 1st Pest Control for assistance. They can evaluate the situation and provide effective solutions.

Can rats or mice make me or my family sick?

Yes. Proper rodent control is needed to protect yourself, as they are a well-known carrier of diseases which may be easily transmitted to humans. Diseases they are associated with include, but are not limited to, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, lestospirosis and rat-bite fever. These diseases are transmitted through direct contact, or the inhalation or consumption of contaminated items. Infected ticks carried by these rodents may also spread diseases to humans with devastating effects.

For example, rats carrying infected ticks caused the spread of the bubonic plague, otherwise known as the Black Death, in Europe that killed half the population during the Middle Ages. Other than physical illness, infestations have been known to affect the emotional and psychological well-being of the homeowner or tenant.

Where will I generally find rats and mice in my home or business?

Rats and mice are primarily nocturnal creatures by nature. They tend to nest or sleep in dark and quiet corners and crevices of a building’s structure, such as in the roofs, basements, attics and walls. Storage units or cluttered areas are also ideal hiding places for these rodents.

Where do rats and mice come from?

ats and mice are generally very small and can easily enter a residence through small, obscure openings. In fact, mice can enter a home through an opening the size of dime, where rats only require an opening as small as a quarter.

Point of entry may include entrances, windows, and through the cracks and crevices along walls and floors. Rats and mice are attracted to warm places with easy access to food and water and they feed on a variety of organic material, including both plant and protein-based products.

As a result, an occupied residence is an ideal place for them to survive and breed rapidly

What damage can they cause to my property?

Rats and mice are notorious for causing damage in homes or businesses. Tooth marks from gnawing or chewing can be found on various surfaces and items they come in contact with. The primary reason for damage is because a rodent’s front teeth does not stop growing.

As a result, it must continuously gnaw on objects to keep its teeth filed down. Without rodent control, these pests will continue to feed and nest, causing damage to your property.

Their jaws are very strong and can chew through walls, soft concrete, wiring and pipes. These activities may lead to structural damage and create electrical and fire hazards. Droppings and urine left behind contaminate surfaces and food exposed to these rodents are no longer safe for human consumption and must be thrown away.

Why do I have to get rid of them?

  • Rats and mice cause damage to the content or structure of a property that may be very costly to fix or replace. In addition, they are carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to humans simply by being in direct or indirect contact with the rodents or their wastes.
  • Rats and mice breed rapidly and with a greater population comes increase risk to the health and safety of occupants.
  • Mice can damage wires, books, plastics, aluminum cans, drywall, insulation, siding, and wallboards

What are the benefits when comparing the three and 12-month rodent control programs?

  • Comprehensive and sustained protection: The 12-month program offers extended protection against rodent re-infestation, ensuring that the house remains rodent-free for a longer period compared to the shorter 3-month program.
  • Continuous monitoring and prevention: With the 12-month program, homeowners receive ongoing monitoring and preventive measures to detect and address any potential rodent issues before they become a full-blown infestation.
  • Greater peace of mind: Knowing that their home is protected and monitored for a longer duration can provide homeowners with increased peace of mind, eliminating worries about rodent problems.
  • Cost efficiency: The 12-month program proves to be a more cost-effective option as it provides sustained rodent control at a lower cost per month compared to the shorter program.
  • Time savings: By opting for the 12-month program, homeowners can save time and effort in dealing with multiple instances of rodent infestation and can focus on other aspects of home maintenance and well-being.

These benefits make the 12-month program a highly advantageous choice for homeowners, ensuring long-lasting, efficient, and cost-effective rodent control.

Is there a link between rodents and the bubonic plague?

The bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, is a highly contagious and deadly disease that ravaged Europe in the 14th century, resulting in the deaths of millions of people. One of the key links between rodents and the bubonic plague is the role that rats and fleas played in spreading the disease. Rats were the primary carriers of the bacteria that caused the plague, while fleas served as the vectors that transmitted the disease from rats to humans.

Rats were able to spread the bubonic plague to humans through their fleas, which would bite infected rats and then bite humans, transferring the bacteria in the process. The unsanitary living conditions of medieval cities, combined with the large numbers of rats present, created the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria to spread rapidly among both rats and humans. As a result, the bubonic plague was able to decimate entire populations in a matter of months, leading to widespread death and destruction.

The link between rodents and the bubonic plague is not limited to historical instances, as outbreaks of the disease continue to occur in various parts of the world today. In regions where sanitation is poor and rat populations are high, there is a heightened risk of the bubonic plague resurfacing. Efforts to control rat populations and improve sanitation practices are crucial in preventing the spread of the disease and protecting public health.

In conclusion, the link between rodents and the bubonic plague is clear and significant, as rats and fleas played a crucial role in spreading the disease throughout history. Understanding this link and taking proactive measures to control rat populations and improve sanitation practices are essential in preventing future outbreaks of the bubonic plague. By addressing the root causes of the disease, we can help to ensure the health and well-being of populations around the world.

Rather talk to us? We are always happy to hear from you!