Rodent Control Services in Olympia

Rats

Did you know that a group of rats is called a “mischief”? These medium sized, long-tailed rodents carry many diseases, which makes them a public health concern. Their teeth are constantly growing so they are always chewing on something. In fact, the word “rodent” comes from the French word “rodere” which means “to gnaw.”

Throughout the years, our technicians have observed an array of extensive damage caused by rats. This includes chewing through pipes, vent screens, and electrical wiring to pop machines in restaurants and auto engine compartments of vehicles at auto dealerships. Destruction to insulation and material in attics and sub-areas are highly common. The destruction is also accompanied with fecal matter and urine which linger after they have been eliminated from that area. As a direct result, this acts as a calling card to other rats passing by.

Rats are nocturnal rodents that are highly skilled at staying out of sight. This often allows their presence to go completely unnoticed for extensive amounts of time.

Many years ago, the Norway rat was most common in Thurston County. Norway Rats are larger and travel closer to the ground. This makes them more susceptible to predators and causes roadways to limit their territories. About 20 years ago, the Roof Rat was first introduced to this area. They can now be found in all areas of the county (and surrounding counties).

Roof rats are skilled climbers and travel high up using tree branches, electrical lines, and rooftops. As a result, this allows them to better conceal themselves and avoid predators and other factors that otherwise limited the Norway Rat’s mobility.

Mice

Mice are small rodents that are skilled jumpers, climbers, and swimmers. They are extremely versatile and can get through a hole as small as the size of a dime. Mice reproduce quickly and can have up to 10 litters per year. A single mouse produces about 50 droppings per day, which can contaminate food sources and be a source of disease! 

The most common mice are house mice and deer mice. House mice have gray fur, large ears, and a long tail with white feet and underbelly. Deer mice have light brown fur with white undersides, larger eyes than the house mouse, and a striped tail. Even though they are smaller and less threatening than rats, they can still cause considerable damage to your property.

Signs of an Infestation

Hearing noises or seeing droppings, damage caused in their wake, or the rat itself scurrying by are the most common signs homeowners observe. Rodents are active year-round. During warmer months they will primarily feed and nest outside. In cooler months, they must seek out new warmer areas. As a result, this draws them into crawl spaces and attics to avoid the cold weather.

How We Get Rid of Rodents 

At Venables Pest Management, we understand that rodent infestations can cause havoc in your home or business. That's why our experienced technicians are here to provide top-notch pest control services for all of your rodent control needs in Olympia and surrounding counties. We begin with an inspection to identify the type of rat or mouse present on your property, taking into the account their common signs.

Some of the control measures we take to achieve long-term control include the following:

• Baiting: Our technicians will use bait stations to lure and trap rats and mice.
• Trapping: We can also set up traps that are designed specifically for rodents. 
• Exclusion: Our team specializes in exclusion services like sealing entry points, using metal mesh or screens on vents, and installing weatherstripping around doors to keep these pesky invaders from returning. 
• Habitat modification: We may suggest removing potential food sources such as spilled grain, pet food, or bird feeders, cleaning up debris piles, trimming foliage and trees near buildings, and other measures that could help avoid future infestations. 
• Rodenticide treatments (nontoxic): In certain situations, we may recommend the use of rodenticides to eliminate the population within a given area. However, all products used by Venables Pest Management are nontoxic so you don't have to worry about harm being caused to your family or pets.

Preventative Measures for Rodent Control in Olympia

The easiest way to ensure rodent infestations are controlled is by not letting it start in the first place. Regular inspections and baiting to reduce exterior populations are steps your pest control technician can take. While our team at Venables Pest Management is dedicated to eliminating rats and mice from your home, it's also important to take preventative measures to keep them from returning. Here are some tips to help prevent future rodent infestations:

• Make sure vent screens, crawl space access panels, etc. remain secure and in place to prevent rodents from entering your structure.
• Keep food stored in airtight containers and clean up any spills or crumbs promptly
• Eliminate food sources, such as bird seed and pet food. Store it in sealed containers
• Trim back trees and shrubs from the exterior of your home to eliminate potential entry points
• Keep your home and yard free of clutter and debris where rodents can hide and breed
• Regularly inspect and maintain your home's plumbing and drainage to prevent water leaks that can attract rodents

By implementing these preventative measures in addition to our professional rodent control services, you can help ensure that your home remains rodent-free in the future. If you have been noticing a lot of activity around your yard or near your building, contact Venables Pest Management right away. Our knowledgeable technicians will come out to assess the situation, recommend what steps should be taken, and come up with a plan tailored specifically to your rodent problem. With our years of experience in rodent control, we’ll make sure the job is done right and the rodents won’t return. We also offer preventative maintenance programs to keep your property rodent-free all year round. 

Contact us today at (360) 443-5813 for a free consultation! The Venables team of Olympia rodent control professionals is standing by and eager to assist you with fast and effective rodent control.