How to Protect Your Home From Rodents in Wisconsin
Rodents are more than just a nuisance; they pose serious risks to your home and health. In Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin, homeowners frequently encounter these unwelcome guests. Whether homeowners realize it, nearly every home we visit has mice living in the basement, walls, attic, or garage. A mouse only needs a quarter-inch opening to gain access to a building. These small but destructive creatures can cause significant damage to homes and pose serious health risks. At Advanced Wildlife Control., we are dedicated to helping families in Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties keep your homes safe and rodent-free.
What Sort of Damage Do Rodents Cause?
Rodents, including mice and rats, can inflict significant damage on both residential and commercial properties. They are notorious for their destructive habits. Their behavior not only compromises the integrity of the property but also poses a serious fire hazard due to exposed electrical wires. Here’s a closer look at the types of damage they cause:
Gnawing
Rodents have a constant need to gnaw to keep their teeth sharp and at the proper length. This behavior leads them to chew on electrical wires, insulation, wood structures, and even pipes, posing fire hazards, leaks, and potential structural damage.
Contamination
Rodent droppings and urine can contaminate food supplies and surfaces, making them unsafe and leading to the spread of diseases. These contaminants can be found in cabinets, drawers, and other hidden areas.
Insulation Damage
Rodents often nest in insulation materials, tearing them apart to make comfortable nests. This damage reduces the effectiveness of your home’s insulation, leading to higher energy bills.
Damage to Personal Items
Rodents often gnaw on furniture, clothing, and other personal belongings, causing irreparable damage.
Rodent Diseases: A Hidden Threat
Rodents are not just a nuisance due to the physical damage they cause. They also pose significant health risks. They can carry and transmit a variety of diseases, some of which can be severe or even fatal to humans and pets. Here are some of the most common rodent-borne diseases:
Hantavirus
This potentially fatal disease can be contracted by inhaling dust contaminated with rodent urine or droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through contact with water or soil contaminated with infected rodent urine, leptospirosis can cause severe liver and kidney damage.
Salmonella
Rodents can spread salmonella bacteria through their droppings, contaminating food and surfaces.
Rat-Bite Fever
This bacterial illness is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rodents or by consuming food or water contaminated with rodent droppings.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
This viral infection, spread through rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials, can cause neurological diseases such as meningitis and encephalitis.
Why Do I Have Rodents?
Rodents are often drawn to homes in Wisconsin for a variety of reasons, primarily seeking food, shelter, and water. Your home may offer easily accessible food sources such as unsecured pantry items, pet food, and overflowing trash cans, which are irresistible to these pests. Additionally, the warmth and shelter provided by attics, basements, and cluttered areas create ideal nesting spots. Structural openings, like gaps, cracks, and holes in your home’s exterior, provide easy entry points. Understanding and addressing these factors is crucial in preventing and managing rodent infestations.
How to Get Rid of Rodents in Your Walls and Home
Effective rodent pest removal requires a multi-faceted approach. Here’s how you can protect your home from these pesky invaders:
Inspection and Identification
A thorough inspection by our licensed rodent exterminators will help identify the species, entry points, and severity of the infestation.
Rodent Exclusion Services
Sealing entry points is crucial for effective rodent control. Our professionals use heavy-duty sheet metal and wire mesh to close off potential access points, ensuring that rodents cannot re-enter your home.
Trapping and Removal
Trapping is an effective method for capturing rodents already inside your home. Our technicians use safe and humane traps to remove these pests efficiently.
Ongoing Maintenance
Effective rodent management is an ongoing process, especially given the dynamic nature of homes during Wisconsin’s harsh winters, which can create new entry points for rodents. Our technicians will conduct quarterly inspections to re-evaluate your property and replenish bait stations as needed, ensuring your home remains protected against rodents throughout the year.
Why Choose Advanced Wildlife Control
For over 30 years, we have been the go-to experts for rodent removal in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. Our customized action plans and quarterly maintenance checks ensure that your home remains safe and rodent-free. When you search for rodent exclusion services near me, trust Advanced Wildlife Control to provide reliable, effective solutions.
Contact Us
If you are dealing with rodents in Wisconsin, don’t wait until the problem escalates. Contact us today for a thorough inspection and customized rodent pest removal plan. Your family’s safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.