Unwanted pesky critters and pests can put a damper on the joy you get from your home. These simple tips are both humane & effective. Before using live traps, you’ll want to find out how they’re getting in. Think about it this way – if you’re in a boat that’s filling with water, you’d want to find the source of the leak right?
So, the first step is to locate the intrusion points. Look for holes and gaps that are 1/2″ and larger. Be meticulous.
Heavily used entry points will usually show staining.
Entry points can be sealed using caulking, copper mesh, and 1/4″ hardware cloth. Avoid using foam – mice and rats can easily gnaw through it. If you find a breach that is 4″ or greater, there could be larger animals inside – like a raccoon or an opossum. You’ll need to take a different approach, especially during baby season. Give the Ace Wildlife Control team a call for advice.
When there’s a hole that leads into a wall or an area where you won’t be able to set a cage trap, a one-way device allows an animal to get out and not get back in.
Rats can be neophobic – scared of new things, and may not go into a cage trap for a few days, so, in addition to placing bait in the trap, we also set a few small pieces on the outside of the cage. If the bait disappears, at least we know rodents are present.
The traps must be checked every morning, as early as possible so the animals don’t suffer long in the cage. The animals can be released just outdoors in familiar habitat. No need to take them anywhere else if you’ve done a good job of sealing your home.
Once you have zero catches after about a week and and the bait next to the cage hasn’t disappeared, then you can stop trapping. In addition to removing the animals from your home, check your yard for attractants – what’s drawing them to your property? Rodents will be attracted by food and shelter resources – wood piles, bird feeders, compost bins, fruit trees, pet and livestock feed. Do your best to reduce these resources or the rodents access to them.
-Just in case you’re planning to use snap traps- Never set them outdoors, unprotected, where other animals and children can reach them. There are special protective boxes that can be used to enclose snap traps.
-Don’t use poison!-
Rodenticide is passed to other animals when poisoned mice and rats are consumed.
Rodents are the target but not the only victims – it’s a serious issue.
Call 866-770-7378 to schedule your FREE inspection today!
“When Critters Crawl, We’re Who You Call”
Ace Wildlife Control
7085-B Whites Creek Pike
Joelton, TN 37080
866-770-7378
http://acewildlifeinfo.com/
DIY Humane Rodent Control in Tennessee and Kentucky
Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky
