As the population of the Las Vegas Valley continues to grow, so does the rodent population. New construction continues to push rodents out of their habitat in the desert and moves them into neighborhoods. With an abundance of food, resources, and their great reproductive potential, rodents have become more of a nuisance over the last several years.
Rodent control is important because the damage they cause to property, health related problems (disease carriers), and their overall nuisance. In Southern Nevada, the Norway & Roof Rats are more prominent. In addition, mice continue to make their appearance from time to time.
Rats remain a constant issue throughout the year but can become more noticeable during cooler months because they are looking for a warm place to live. To make your home less appealing to rodents, we’ve outlined some easy things that can be done around the home to limit the potential of a rodent infestation:
1. Keep yards neat and avoid stacking items against the house. Wood piles need to be kept off the ground and away from the house. Keeping wood piles on a platform would be best. Piles around the home make a great hiding place for rodents.
2. Rats do not have a specific diet and will eat almost anything but they love pet food, therefore, do not feed pets outdoors. All pet food should remain indoors at all times. Also make sure that bird food and plant seed is in a locking tupperware container and stored off the ground.
3. Because of rodents’ abilities to squeeze through openings as small as 1/4 inch, make sure there is a magnetic flap on dog doors so that it stays securely closed when not in use.
4. Remove and dispose of any fallen fruit from trees in yards.
5. Cut back any tree limbs or vines that may be touching the roof. These are considered a ‘super highway’ for rats to gain access into your attic.
6. Patch any holes that lead from the interior of the home or garage to the outside. Mice can squeeze through a 1/4 inch hole and rats a 1/2 inch.
If you think you may be experiencing a rodent problem, it’s best to call a rodent specialist immediately. What may seem like a small problem can quickly become a larger and more expensive problem if left untreated.