Noticing the increasing number of rodent issues in older homes is a significant concern for homeowners. Different triggering factors are causing them to start nesting in older building structures. This can be due to deteriorating materials, cracks, gaps in foundations and so on. Their presence can cause massive health concerns, damage the house structure and raise the maintenance costs. Any home with outdated pipes, insulation and foundation can be at high risk. Right through this blog, we will share some insights on rodent issues in older homes and how you can deal with their rising infestation.
Primary Reasons for Rodent Issues in Older Homes
There can be different reasons for increased rodent issues in older homes. One primary cause is the older infrastructure. Rotting wood, worn-put insulation, as well as foundation cracks have always been a major attractant for the rats. They are fond of nesting in places that are away from the human eye and near to essentials. Most of the older homes do not have rodent-proofing features, unlike the newer homes. This helps the mice to easily enter into a property through vents, chimneys and pipes. Unused spaces like crawlspaces, basements and attics are also favourites for the rodents to nest in.
Environmental and Seasonal Factors Can Be a Major Reason
Particularly in older dwellings, environmental and seasonal elements are pretty crucial in rodent infestations. Rats hunt for warm shelter places during the colder months of winter season. Older homes are perfect havens since they usually feature greater hidden areas and insulation. Leaky pipes, open garbage cans, and readily available compost bins provide food and water supplies that draw rodents to your house. Dense plants, ivy-covered walls, and stacked woodpiles close to the foundation give excellent protection and build bridges to upper floors or attics, hence boosting rat access points.
Common Types of Rodents Found in Older Homes
Understanding what kind of species have attacked your property makes it easier to plan the proper measures of mice control. A few common rodent types found in older homes are:
House mice
Just because of their small size, they can easily get inside the homes through small holes or cracks. You can notice their presence in attics, basements, or kitchen areas, searching for food and shelter. Being small in size, they can fit into any cracks, which makes them challenging to locate.
Norway Rats
The presence of Norway rats is very common on lower floors, basements, and crawlspaces. They are smarter and bigger than the house mice. Their favourite places to start nesting are in dark, damp locations. They can cause massive destruction to the property by chewing through insulation, wires and wood. It is important to take quick action on rodent control in Thornhill if you notice them in great numbers.
Roof Rats
Roof rats like to live in older homes’ attics, higher walls, or eaves. They get into homes through cracks around vents, chimneys, or rooflines. Meanwhile, they are known for being good at climbing. They like to be higher up, and while they’re looking for food, they can damage insulation, wires, and building parts.
Noticing Common Signs of Rodent Infestation
Many times, rodent infestations leave obvious symptoms. You will notice droppings under sinks, in food storage, and along baseboards. Finding urine trails and droppings are the major alarming signs to see. Nesting and gnaw marks are also visible on the insulation, cloth or shredded paper in storage spaces or concealed corners. Plus, you will also notice strange squeaking sounds at night hours when they are most active. Pet Behaviour can also be a clue. Dogs and cats may gaze at walls, sniff constantly, or get rather irritated close to rodent hiding places. If the infestation is worse and hard to control, then hiring expert services from a rat removal company in Vaughan can be a go-to solution.
Quick Rodent Prevention Tips for Older Homes
After a detailed discussion on rodent issues in older homes, it’s time to learn some preventive measures for better control against future infestation. A few important measures are discussed below:
Sealing all Possible Entrance Points
We have already discussed in the beginning that rats are small enough to pass through any crack or hole easily. It is important to seal all cracks and holes around windows, doors and vents with caulking. Use wire mesh for bigger holes holes. Keep on inspecting the house corners to identify such kinds of cracks or holes.
Getting Rid of Extra Food Waste
You should be storing extra food in airtight containers to entice them towards your kitchen. Remember that mice are entering into your home seeking food, and therefore, you can notice their presence very often in your kitchen areas. Do not leave extra food open overnight.
Removing All Standing Water Sources
Rats and mice need water to live, and they like wet places. Fix taps and pipes that are leaking, put dehumidifiers in musty places, and put insulation over pipes that aren’t being used to keep condensation from forming. Rats won’t be as interested in places that are dry and well-ventilated so that they won’t come into your home.
Maintaining the Outdoor Yard Areas
Remember that rats are getting into your house from the outside. Make sure you keep your outdoor space as clean and well-kept as possible, especially around any roads that are drawing them in. Cut back all the extra shrubs and tree branches, especially the ones that are close to the roof or attic.
Protect Your Family from Rats—Choose North Star Pest Control
Rodents pose serious health risks to your family. North Star Pest Control provides expert rodent removal and prevention services, eliminating the threat before it becomes a problem. Get reliable, fast, and discreet rodent solutions to ensure your home stays safe and healthy. Our expert team thoroughly inspect the property to identify all triggering signs of rat infestation for a better and long-term solution.