It’s Rodent Season 2024!

As fall settles in, homeowners should be aware that rodent season in Houston is upon us. With cooler temperatures, mice and rats often seek shelter indoors, making it crucial to take preventive measures to protect your home and family. 

Common Rodents in Houston

The most prevalent rodents in our area are:

1. House mice
2. Roof rats (also known as black rats)
3. Norway rats

These rodents can cause significant damage to property and pose serious health risks.

Signs of Rodent Activity

Be on the lookout for these common signs of an infestation:

• Droppings: Small, dark pellets found near food sources or nesting areas.
• Gnaw Marks: Evidence of chewing on food packaging, wires, or furniture.
• Strange Noises: Scratching or scurrying sounds coming from walls or attics, particularly at night.
• Grease Marks: Dark, greasy rub marks along walls or baseboards.

Health Risks

Rodents can transmit several dangerous diseases to humans, including:

1. Hantavirus: Spread through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which has a high mortality rate.
2. Salmonellosis: Caused by contact with rodent feces or urine in food or on surfaces.
3. Leptospirosis: Spread through water contaminated with rodent urine.
4. Rat-bite fever: Transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rodents.

These diseases can be transmitted through:

• Direct contact with rodents or their waste
• Breathing in dust contaminated with rodent droppings or urine
• Consuming food or water contaminated by rodents

Prevention Tips

To keep rodents at bay, consider these effective strategies:

1. Seal Entry Points: Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Inspect your home for cracks and holes, especially around doors, windows, and utility lines.
2. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep food stored in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills and crumbs to eliminate food sources.
3. Declutter: Rodents thrive in cluttered environments. Regularly clean storage areas to reduce nesting opportunities.
4. Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from your home to prevent easy access to roofs and attics.
5. Proper Waste Management: Ensure trash cans have tight-fitting lids and are stored away from the house.

When to Act

If you notice any signs of rodent activity, it’s essential to act quickly. Contact a professional pest control service. At Hartz Pest Control, our technicians are trained to conduct a thorough inspection and implement a customized rat removal plan.

Early intervention can prevent a minor issue from escalating into a full-blown rat infestation.

Remember, rodent control is not just about protecting your property; it’s about safeguarding your family’s health. By staying vigilant and proactive this rodent season, you can ensure your home remains safe and comfortable for everyone.

At Hartz Pest Control- We Put Your Pests To Rest!
Call Now – 713-461-4688