HOW DO EXTERMINATORS GET RID OF MICE?
According to a 2017 National Pest Management Association poll, more than one-third of all Americans experienced a rodent problem in their house. That’s why many people look for a mouse exterminator near me to get rid of pests in their houses. However, you may question how exterminators get rid of mice.
So today we’ll talk about what professional rodent exterminators perform (as well as what you can do to prepare for their visit). But first, let’s examine what actually draws rodents to your property.
What Lures Mice?
Remember! When mice penetrate a house, they look for food, water, and shelter.
If mice find these items in your home, they’ll build nests and breed, causing a significant mouse infestation. An infestation of rodents can be tough to eradicate.
While most rat infestations may be handled by homeowners without professional assistance, it is possible. Don’t be scared to call pest control before the problem becomes an epidemic.
Do Exterminators Kill Mice?
Exterminators employ many techniques to get rid of mice. Your servicing plan will be tailored to your specific needs and will often include both mechanical and rodenticide traps.
During the first visit, your exterminator will assess the extent of your mouse infestation. An integrated pest management plan will be created based on the mouse species and the problem’s scope.
The mice are usually removed with mechanical devices and chemical baits, and access sites are sealed to avoid reinfestation.
When a professional mouse exterminator visits your house, there are certain things you may expect. Let’s examine their behaviors and their importance.
Close all entries
Mice don’t need big holes to get into your house. Most breeds can fit through a dime-sized hole, thus any cracks, dents, or weak places must be covered to prevent ingress.
A mouse exterminator will initially inspect the exterior and inside of your property for possible access sites. They’ll next cover the tiny openings with wire mesh, hardware cloth, or sheet metal to keep rodents out. Surprisingly, utility pipes and vents are common entry locations. They can also help you seal larger holes (1.5 in/3.8 cm in diameter).
Avoid utilizing caulk, plastic, rubber, or wood sealing at any access sites you find. Mice may gnaw through it. Weatherstripping for doors and windows also helps keep rodents out.
Place mouse traps
A mouse exterminator may advise setting a dozen mouse traps around your home if you catch an infestation early. They often set up traps in your kitchen, bathroom, attic, and basement. Because different traps operate on various mice. Traps like glue boards and snap traps assist reduce smaller populations without introducing dangerous chemicals into your house.
It is important to note that the use of traps will only reduce the population by a modest percentage.
Establish a catch
Like traps, bait stations kill rats by offering easily available poisoned food. Some homeowners may not value these stations. They seem to attract more pests than they destroy, yet they eliminate rats swiftly and efficiently.
After the bait stations lower the colony size, exterminators may follow the rodents back to their nests. They can remove their bodies before more pests, hygiene, or odor issues arise.
Some organizations employ only bait stations and only use traps as a backup.
Rat Fumigation
Finally, a strong infestation may necessitate fumigation.
This is a professional control method. It’s only used last.
Home fumigation is not always legal. Only outside burrows, grain storage structures, warehouses, and train wagons can use fumigants here.
Residential fumigation requires you, your family, and your pets to leave your home for several days. This allows the exterminator to spray the poison designed to kill entire mouse populations.
Many exterminators avoid fumigation because it is costly and risky. You’ll need to clean your counters and surfaces afterwards to ensure their safety. A few things to know if you’re considering fumigation.
How long does it take to kill mice?
You can prepare for an exterminator’s visit in numerous ways. Clear the path for the technicians to work. This includes emptying out cabinets and moving appliances and boxes that may obstruct access.
You should also clean up any existing rodent droppings and keep up with routine cleaning. Clear away boxes and other clutter that may harbor nesting sites for mice. Mice can squeeze through tiny openings, so look for and seal any possible entry spots.
Finally, prepare questions to ask the exterminator. These may include:
- What can I do between extermination trips to help?
- Then how many visits will it take?
- How long will the extermination take?
- Do the elimination procedures pose any health or safety risks, and how can I avoid them?
- How can I avoid further infestations?
Preparing for Fumigation
Assured lodging
Because your home will be poisoned, you and your family will have to leave until the exterminator says it is safe.
So you’ll need a place to stay. Most families spend a few days with relatives or friends. If it isn’t possible, you may have to stay in a hotel.
Whatever you do, pack the necessities for your trip away from home. If you must work, pack extra clothing and equipment. If that’s not possible, tell your boss you’ll need a few days off.
You can also schedule your fumigation around your vacation or weekend (if rodent control near me works on the weekend, of course).
Arrange to cut off your gas
Notify the gas company that you intend to fumigate your home. Before fumigation, your gas should be switched off. Make plans to switch it back on when it’s safe. Your exterminator will tell you this.
Important! Also, switch off or unplug any electric heaters and air conditioners before leaving the house. Disconnect any pilot lights.
Close all internal doors.
The gas should be able to spread throughout your home. A closed door can significantly reduce the spread of gas in your home. Closed doors create safe zones where rats can hide and escape, defeating the aim of the method.
Keep all basement, kitchen, bathroom, and attic doors open. These are the rooms most prone to rodent infestation. Close all cabinets, closets, and drawers.
Seal all food and drink
Unless you’re ready to replenish your food, seal it in airtight containers. Unsafe items in the fridge (not double-bagged) won’t be safe to eat when you return.
Ask your exterminator if cleaning canned foods is sufficient protection.
Defend your keys from the mouser
Exterminating mice in the home requires access. Your keys will be needed to enter, exit and secure your home throughout treatment.
Work with them to plan for key storage and retrieval after the fumigation.
Exterminating mice takes how long?
The time required for mouse elimination depends on the infestation. Getting rid of mice takes 1-3 months and numerous visits from an exterminator, but serious infestations may take longer.
How Do Exterminators Get Rid of Mice?
You may be asking what chemicals are utilized to fumigate your property. So let’s look at them. These are the most commonly used fumigation chemicals.
- Mag Phosphide This chemical is commonly powdered, which when mixed with water produces a poisonous gas.
- Alu Phosphide This chemical induces respiratory failure by accumulating fluid in the lungs.
- CO2. This insecticide is widely used. Its method of action makes it efficient against rodents. Carbon dioxide discharge reduces breathing air in restricted spaces, essentially smothering animals. It also leaves no chemical residue.
- Bromide. Chemicals widely used in agriculture. Its toxic poison harms humans and depletes ozone. As a result, it is no longer produced or used. So it won’t be used in fumigation in the future.
- Sulfuric Acid. Toxic to animals’ metabolism. Inhaled, it is toxic to humans.
- Chloropicrin. This substance was utilized as a chemical agent in World War I. It can’t be used in agriculture due to food contamination.
- Phosphine. This chemical is offered as a solid that reacts with moisture in the air to form a deadly gas. It’s also highly flammable.
- Isocyanate. This toxin is hazardous to all life forms and affects the respiratory system. This chemical is commonly used to fumigate soil.
- 1,3-Dichloropropene. When inhaled or ingested, this toxin can be harmful to humans and animals. It irritates the skin. Its use is restricted in several locations.
- Cyanide. This chemical is remarkable in that it boils at ambient temperature. It kills by affecting the respiratory system and has an almond fragrance. It’s an acid that corrodes on touch.
- Formaldehyde. Toxic to rodents’ cell development and division.
Conclusion
What can we take away from it?
The foregoing instruction should help everyone who has ever wondered how exterminators get rid of mice.
Mouse extermination professionals can rid your home of these pests by using repellant, obstructive, and exterminating tactics and tools. Because each pest exterminator is unique, you should inquire about their services and the chemicals they utilize.
Please contact Spokane at (509) 681-3949 if you want to learn more about The Mouse Exterminator Process or other pest recommendations!