How to Safely Remove Rodents from Your California Property 

Rodents in the home can be unwelcome guests for a variety of reasons, and it’s understandable to want to remove them. You have a lot of reasons to keep rodents away from home. 

First and foremost, rodents can carry and transmit various diseases to humans and pets, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever. These diseases can range from mild to severe, and some can even be fatal. Rodent droppings and dander can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms, especially in sensitive individuals. 

Rodents can also cause significant damage to your property. They have strong teeth that can gnaw on wood, wires, pipes, furniture, and insulation. This can cause costly damage to your home and belongings. Not to mention, chewing on electrical wires can create a fire hazard. 

If you decide to remove rodents, it’s important to do so safely and humanely. Consult with a professional pest control company to ensure the job is done effectively and without causing harm to the rodents. 

Use Bait Stations

Using bait stations to capture rodents is one of the easiest ways to get them out of your home. But you need to identify first the type of rodent present. Knowing whether you’re dealing with mice or rats is crucial for choosing the right station size and bait type. There are tamper-resistant bait stations if you have pets or children at home. 

When choosing the bait, select rodenticides approved for your area and target rodents. Consider pellet, block, or liquid forms based on your preference and station compatibility. Always prioritize safety and follow label instructions.  

To maximize captivity, look for droppings, gnaw marks, or grease trails to identify their travel routes and nesting areas. Position them along walls, near burrows, entry points, or areas with frequent activity. Space stations 8 to 12 feet apart for mice and 15 to 30 feet apart for rats. Anchor them outdoors to prevent tampering by pets or wildlife.

When loading the bait, follow the label instructions for the amount and placement of bait within the station. Wear gloves while handling rodenticides. 

Inspect stations every 1-2 days initially, then adjust the frequency based on bait consumption. Add or replace bait as needed. In addition, keep an eye on signs of decreased rodent activity or dead rodents near the stations. Dispose of dead rodents, wear gloves, and follow local regulations for safe disposal. Continue baiting until signs of rodent activity disappear completely. 

Use Traps

If you want a method that involves no rodenticide, mouse traps are the way to go. The type of bait you use will depend on the type of rodent you are trying to trap. Mice are typically attracted to peanut butter, cheese, or chocolate, while rats prefer bacon, hot dogs, or cereal. You can also use natural baits like seeds or nuts.

There are many types of traps, so choose the right one. 

Snap traps

These are the classic spring-loaded traps that kill the rodent instantly. They are effective and inexpensive, but can be inhumane and can also accidentally trap non-target animals like pets or birds. 

Glue traps

These traps have a sticky surface that the rodent gets stuck on. They are not as effective as snap traps, as the rodent can sometimes escape, and they can be very inhumane as the trapped animal can suffer for an extended period. 

Live traps

These traps capture the rodent alive, allowing you to release it outdoors away from your home. They are more humane than snap traps or glue traps, but can be more difficult to set and may not be effective for all types of rodents.  

When setting traps, be sure to bait the trap securely and place it in an area where you have seen signs of rodent activity, such as along walls, near droppings, or in dark corners. Check your traps every few hours, especially if you are using live traps. If you have caught a rodent, dispose of it humanely according to local regulations. 

Use Smart Pest Control

If you’re looking for a 24/7 automated rodent monitoring tool, using a smart pest control system is the answer. Anticimex’s Smart Pest Control is an intelligent rodent monitoring tool that detects and traps rats around the clock. It’s a proactive approach that uses a proprietary digital device system (called “Smart Connect”) to detect and trap rats around the clock. For more information about Smart Pest Control, call us at 800-901-1102. 

Call Rodent Control Experts

Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate rodents. We offer QualityPro-certified rodent control treatments to eliminate all types of rodents. Learn more about our Rodent Control and Extermination Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County. 

Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 800-901-1102 to request a quote!