How To Keep Rodents At Bay: Tips For Effective Rodent Control For Your Colorado Springs Home

When working to keep rodents in Colorado Springs at bay, you need to consider the kind of rodents you're dealing with on your property. While rodents share many common traits, they are unique in their own ways. Let's quickly look at a few of these traits as they relate to rodent prevention.

Squirrels are the rodents you'll see most often because they are active during the day. These bushy-tailed critters are deterred by removing food that attracts them, such as nuts and seeds. If you have trees that drop nuts in your yard, it is a good idea to rake them routinely. If you feed peanuts to the squirrels, a simple solution is to refrain from doing this.

Norway rats are large brown rodents that like to dig in the ground. They'll use a ground hole that is already available and expand on it. They also often establish their ground burrows underneath junk piles. If you have a pile of junk, it is best to remove it or store the items indoors. Along with this, fill in ground holes with rocks and soil to keep Norway rats away.

Roof rats are mid-size black rodents. They prefer to nest in tree boughs and tree cavities. You can deter them by having dying trees removed and girding trees with sheet metal where roof rats are attempting to nest. They can't grip the sheet metal with their claws, and they'll slide right back to the ground.

House mice are the most common rodent intruders. They get into homes and cause lots of trouble. They're also the rodents that tear up hood insulation in automobiles. In outdoor environments, house mice like to crawl through tall grass and dense vegetation. These provide cover. If you trim grass, remove weeds, and manage the plants in your landscaping, you'll reduce house mouse activity near your home. Doing so will also reduce the chance that these mice will tamper with your vehicles or home.

All of the tips provided above are helpful for the management of rodent activity. Squirrels, rats, and mice are all fond of nuts and seeds. All of these rodents are attracted to junk piles and yard clutter. All rodents can scale trees, though Norway rats are the least likely of these species to do so. When you alter conditions that make your property favorable for rodent activity, you'll have less trouble with rodents. 

In a moment, we're going to share more tips and insights into how you can alter conditions that attract rodents. We'll also tell you some direct ways you can stop or deter them. Before we do, let's quickly look at some of the ways rodents cause trouble in your home and link these to their behavior patterns.

Mice don't just rip up insulation in your car. They can rip up insulation in your walls and attic. They're not alone in this one. Rats and squirrels do this, too. They'll also contaminate your insulation with their droppings and urine. So, it is best to quickly deal with a rodent infestation for no other reason than this.

Rodents don't just damage insulation. They chew on wires and gas lines. They rip up stored furniture and gnaw through building materials. It is best to keep these animals out of your home.

When considering the destructive behavior of rats and mice, in particular, it helps to go back to the car insulation example we provide. You can go out into your garage and find the insulation destroyed in your car. The same principles that apply to your property also apply to your home. Storing pet food in your garage can provide a food source. Clutter in your garage can provide a safe environment and encourage rodent activity. Unrepaired holes in your walls can provide nesting locations, even for a roof rat.

There is much more we could say about the threat rodents represent, including the spreading of diseases, ticks, and bacteria, but we're going to stay laser-focused on rodent prevention today. Let's turn our attention to more specific methods you can use to reduce rodent activity and prevent access to your home.

We've discussed potential food sources. We've looked at habitat alterations. Now, we're going to add on top of these. Here are our best suggestions for rodent-proofing your exterior. These are general tips, so it is important to keep in mind that they will vary in effectiveness depending on which rodents you're attempting to control.

• Some trees are not protected well by applying sheet metal. Or you may not like the aesthetic. You may consider using rodent guards instead. A guard is attached around the trunk of a tree to stop rodents from climbing up. They are also used for preventing rodents from climbing pipes or running across power lines.

• Your property may offer many food options for rodents. Bird seed on the ground is a strong attractant. An open trash receptacle can provide a quick meal. Berry bushes or fruit trees provide a sweet snack. Remove food sources if you can. Cover trash bins. Protect berries with netting and use guards to protect fruit trees. Be sure to also pick fruit up from the ground.

• Along with trimming grass and removing junk piles, make sure to remove all the ground clutter you can. Rats and mice don't like to run across open spaces. It makes them feel exposed. That is a feeling you want to foster. 

• Remove objects next to your home to get rid of hiding places. Also, consider applying hardware cloth around the base of your deck or stairs to keep rodents out.

• Inspect your exterior and seal any gaps and other potential entry points.

All of these methods make your property resistant to rodents. In most cases, there is no need to apply more control than these tips offer, but rodents in Colorado Springs are sometimes persistent. Weather conditions, nearby construction, and other factors can drive them into your yard. When you need the best rodent management possible, contact High Country Pest Control.

It is rare for squirrels to create a problem if minimum effort is put into keeping them away. The true troublemakers are the rats and the mice. They aren't playful backyard rodents. They are insistent, structure-invading pests. The methods above can deter them significantly, but sometimes more is needed. How can your High Country Pest Control service professional help?

• We inspect your property and consider the conditions that promote rodent activity.

• We track rodent routes and find nests.

• We identify the species and create a control plan.

• We apply exclusions and use a bait solution to reduce activity outdoors and prevent entry.

• We address issues in crawlspaces and attics.

• We use a trapping program to collect rodents from your home.

• We can clean and disinfect contaminated areas after the rodents are completely removed.

• We perform the necessary follow-ups to make sure your treatment is successful.

• We share insights with you about the rodent pressures on your property and conducive conditions. 

• We guide you in determining the next step that is right for you with the goal of helping you prevent future rodent infestations.   

Effective rodent control requires training and experience. Contact High Country Pest Control for professional rodent control in Colorado Springs. We get results – and provide comprehensive rodent management. Reach out to us today to learn more or to schedule service.