When you think of a rat or mouse problem, you probably picture a cold, rainy winter day, with rodents desperately seeking warmth and shelter. While that’s certainly true, here in Novato and the surrounding Bay Area, rodents are a significant, year-round problem. In fact, the pressures of summer can drive these pests into your home just as effectively as the winter cold.
Many homeowners are surprised to find signs of rodent activity in July. At North Point Pest Solutions, we want to shed light on why summer is a prime time for rodent invasions and what you can do to protect your property.
Summer Pressures Driving Rodents Indoors
While we are enjoying the summer sun, rodents are dealing with their own set of environmental challenges that make your home look like a five-star resort.
- The Search for Water: The long, dry spells of a California summer mean natural water sources dry up. Rodents are forced to find new sources, and the condensation on your pipes, a leaky faucet, or your pet’s water bowl can be a powerful magnet.
- A Consistent Food Supply: While there might be food outdoors, your kitchen pantry, unsecured garbage cans, and leftover pet food offer an easy, reliable feast that is far more appealing than foraging in the heat.
- Shelter from the Heat: Just as they seek warmth in winter, rodents will seek shelter from extreme summer temperatures. The cool, dark, and quiet environment of your attic, crawl space, or wall voids is the perfect place to escape the heat and raise a family.
The Dangers Go Beyond a Simple Nuisance
A rodent infestation is more than just an unsettling inconvenience; it poses serious risks to your property and your family’s health.
- Property Damage: Rodents have teeth that constantly grow, compelling them to gnaw on anything and everything. This includes structural wood, drywall, plumbing pipes, and most dangerously, electrical wiring, which creates a significant fire hazard.
- Health Risks: Rats and mice can spread over 35 diseases. They contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings, urine, and saliva, posing a risk for illnesses like Salmonellosis and Hantavirus.
Your Rodent-Proofing Checklist
The single most effective long-term solution for a rodent problem is exclusion—making it physically impossible for them to get inside.
- Seal Every Opening: A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, and a rat through a hole the size of a quarter. Meticulously inspect your home’s foundation, siding, and roofline for any gaps. Seal small holes with steel wool and caulk, and use sturdy materials for larger repairs. Pay close attention to where utility pipes and vents enter your home.
- Eliminate Outdoor Attractants: Keep garbage and recycling bins tightly sealed. If you have fruit trees, pick up any fallen fruit promptly. Store pet food in sealed, rodent-proof containers, and never leave it out overnight.
- Reduce “Harborage”: Trim tree branches and shrubs so they don’t touch your house, creating a “bridge” for rodents. Store firewood at least 18 inches off the ground and away from your home’s foundation.
The Professional Solution for a Rodent-Free Home
Setting a few traps might catch a mouse or two, but it won’t solve the underlying problem. To truly be free of rodents, you must stop them from getting in. The experts at North Point Pest Solutions provide a comprehensive solution.
- Inspection: We conduct a thorough inspection to identify not just the pests, but exactly how and why they are getting in.
- Exclusion: We use professional materials and techniques to seal every potential entry point, providing a permanent barrier against future invasions.
- Control & Removal: We use strategic, safe, and effective methods to remove the rodent population that is already inside your home.
Don’t wait until you hear the scratching in the walls. Be proactive and protect your home today.
Concerned about rodents? Contact North Point Pest Solutions for a complete inspection and a long-term solution to keep your home safe and pest-free.
About North Point Pest Solutions:
North Point Pest Solutions is a leading provider of comprehensive pest control services in Novato and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing our customers with effective, environmentally responsible solutions to their pest problems. Our team of experienced and certified technicians is committed to delivering exceptional service and lasting results.
