As animal lovers at Green Shield Pest Solutions, it doesn’t excite us to kill thousands of mice and rats each year. However, the other option involves dealing with the spread of disease, food contamination, gnawing on structures, and the risk of electrical fires from gnawing on wires.
Unfortunately, rodents don’t carry one mouse around in their womb for nine months. They carry five or six and give birth in just 20 days. This rapid multiplication creates an unhealthy environment for your family and can get out of hand quickly. Acting quickly is important! Below are the four steps toward getting rid of rodents in your Southern Maine home.
1.) Identification
The most common rodents in Maine that you will come into contact with in your Southern Maine home are the house mouse, deer mouse, and Norway rat. House mice are small, measuring 2-3 inches in body length with large eyes and ears. Deer mice are typically found outdoors but can enter homes. They are similar in size to mice and have large ears and a distinct white belly. Norway rats, weighing 15-16 ounces, are typically found outside and have small eyes and ears with a blunt nose. If you encounter any of these rodents, pest control in Gorham, Maine, is essential to prevent further infestations and protect your home.
Additionally, green rats, or green-haired rats, are sometimes discussed in myths and popular culture, but there is no scientific basis for green rats in Maine. If you encounter unusual rat colors or markings, it may be due to environmental factors, but rest assured, they aren’t naturally green. If you’re dealing with Maine rodents, professional rodent control can help determine the exact species and eliminate them effectively.
2.) Inspection
If you are suspicious of rodents, you may notice certain signs inside and outside your home. Common signs inside include noises, especially in areas such as the basement, attic, garage, and shed, where rodents prefer to hide. You may also find rat droppings, which are about ½ inch, while mouse droppings are about ¼ inch. Gnawing holes in wood, walls, or around entry points are also telltale signs, along with a distinct urine odor. Rodents may leave behind hair and oily smear marks as they travel through the house.
Outside signs often include small holes around the perimeter of your home and signs of pressed vegetation from rodents traveling along the same paths. If you notice these signs, it’s time to contact pest control in Gorham for an inspection and effective rodent management.
3.) Rodent Control
To reduce the environment’s appeal to rodents, you can take practical steps such as securing your trash, picking up pet food and water before bed, and cleaning your dishes frequently. For exclusion methods, check around plumbing for large gaps and seal smaller ones with foam or caulking. For larger gaps, use steel wool or copper mesh, which rodents can’t chew through.
For rodent control, we use EZ Block bait in tamper-proof bait stations outside and snap traps inside, placed in hard-to-reach areas, such as along ledges. Glue traps are rarely used by Green Shield due to their inhumane nature, but can be used upon request.
4.) Prevention
For homeowners, a few simple preventive steps can help keep rodents out of your home. These include eliminating unnecessary food and water sources, trimming back tree branches (especially those overhanging the house), and keeping your trash cans empty. Cleaning up flowerbeds, bird feeders, and areas around the property will also reduce the potential for attracting rodents. For more effective measures, consider pest control in Gorham, ME, to ensure long-term protection.
About Green Shield Pest Solutions
At Green Shield Pest Solutions, we are passionate about providing high-quality services to the residents and businesses of Southern Maine. Our expert technicians use environmentally friendly methods to address all types of pests, including rodents, ants, termites, and more. We prioritize safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that your home or business remains free from pests year-round.
Get Rid of Rodents Today!
If you suspect a rodent infestation or want to prevent one in the future, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Contact us today to schedule a rodent control inspection and safeguard your property!
FAQ: People Also Ask
Q: What are the most common rodents in Maine?
A: The most common rodents in Maine include house mice, deer mice, and Norway rats. Each species has unique behaviors and habitats, making it important to identify them correctly for effective control.
Q: How can I tell if I have a rodent problem in my home?
A: Common signs include droppings, gnaw marks, and the sounds of scurrying at night. You might also notice an unusual smell or see smear marks near entry points.
Q: Are there any rodents that carry diseases in Maine?
A: Yes, rodents like deer mice and house mice in Maine can carry diseases such as Hantavirus, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with droppings or urine.
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Different Types of Mice in Maine