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5 Major Rodent Control Problems in Cape Coral & How to Combat Them

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Rodent control in Cape Coral is increasingly becoming a problem.

With the city’s pest infrastructural conducive to rat infestations, the rodent population has been rapidly growing, and with it comes an increased risk of pest-borne diseases and other associated health risks.

The main culprits are Norway rats and roof rats that migrate into people’s homes through various entryways and can easily survive, reproduce, and spread their pest-related problems through a house. This influx of rodents, in addition to being unsightly and hazardous to one’s home structure and personal health, also serves as a pest vector—catalyzing additional pest issues within homes and yards.

Rodent populations remain high throughout the Cape Coral area due to increased urbanization, habitat loss due to development projects, and the lack of timely and effective pest management practices.

To better combat this problem moving forward, it is essential for homeowners and business owners to seek out pest control services.

Rodent Populations in Cape Coral

 

Cape Coral, Florida, has seen an uptick in rodent activity over the past few years, making it difficult for residents to maintain their yards and safely use outdoor spaces.

A rodent infestation can cause many problems, including property damage, contamination of food sources with rodent droppings, and an increased risk of contracting diseases from rodent bites or contact with rodent feces. In addition, rodents often carry fleas that can also affect family pets and livestock.

Thankfully, some measures can be taken to limit the spread of rodents in urban areas and contain this growing problem. It is important to prioritize rodent control efforts before the population grows too large and is impossible to eradicate. Doing so will ensure that you, your family, or your business remain safe from the risks associated with a large rodent population.

5 Types of Rodent Control Problems in Cape Coral, Florida

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Rodent control problems can happen quickly for residential and commercial properties. Not only can they get into pantries and chew their way through packaging, but they can also damage insulation, wiring, and piping. They may also introduce disease-causing germs to living and work spaces. As such, getting rid of rodents as soon as possible is essential.

Below are five major rodent control problems in the Cape Coral area and how to eliminate them

Norway Rats

Norway rats, also known as brown rats or sewer rats, are rodents that have been a problem in many urban areas for centuries.

They are large rodents ranging from 6-10 inches long, with a heavy black and brown coat. Norway rats can cause severe damage to property due to their ability to chew on wires and other materials—including electrical wiring. Additionally, a rat infestation creates unsanitary conditions through the spread of disease due to their urine and droppings, which can contaminate surfaces with bacteria and viruses.

In order to keep these rodents away from your home or business, there are several precautions you can take. First, try to prevent rodents from entering the premises by sealing off any entry points they might use, such as holes or cracks in the walls or ceilings. Additionally, make sure any food waste is disposed of properly and quickly so as not to attract rodents. Finally, keep the area clean and clutter-free as much as possible, so rodents don’t find places to hide near your property.

If rodent infestations are severe, it’s best to contact a professional pest control team.

Roof Rats

Roof rats or black rats are common pests in many parts of the world.

They are usually found living in trees but can also be seen in building attics and roofs. Roof rats have long bodies and tails, with a pointed muzzle and large ears; they usually range from five to eight inches long. They are most active at night, consuming almost anything they can find.

In addition to food, roof rats will also consume bird seed, garbage, pet food, and other materials. If left unchecked, roof rats can cause significant damage by eating insulation materials and electrical wires in walls or attics.

To prevent roof rats from gaining access to your home, you should seal any gaps around windows and doors. Additionally, trapping and baiting methods can be used inside the house. Finally, ensuring that all sources of food and water are inaccessible will help discourage further infestations; this includes removing bird feeders from outside your home and properly storing food indoors in airtight containers.

House Mice

House mice are small rodents typically found in residential areas with a vast appetite for food. Any food left out or in unsealed containers can serve as an ample meal for a house mouse.

Though they may seem harmless, house mice can cause destruction to both your property or business if they are not appropriately controlled.

The rodent droppings can contain potentially hazardous bacteria to human health, and their nests pose a fire risk when constructed from easily flammable materials that they like to scavenge and shred (tissue, napkins, cardboard, paper, etc.).

To prevent future infestations, homeowners should regularly check for entry points around the home’s perimeter and patch any openings or cracks that could allow rodents to enter.

Homeowners should also ensure food items are stored securely in airtight containers or in refrigerators to cut off access to a potential food source for the mice.

Squirrels

For residents of Cape Coral, Florida, squirrels have become a regular part of the environment. These rodents are active year-round, and their populations have been largely unchecked in recent years.

To control the rodent problem, individuals must take care to ensure that their property does not provide a welcoming habitat for these critters.

Squirrels often take up residence in trees and use tree limbs to access your home, where they can chew their way into your attic or roof area. Homeowners should trim back overgrown trees and hedges to discourage them from nesting in such places.

Furthermore, gardeners should avoid using bird feeders as they may attract squirrels, who are eager to access the easy food source they provide. It is also important to keep an eye out for food sources on your property where squirrels may feed—such as pet food left outdoors or unsecured garbage cans—and make sure they are sealed tightly at all times.

Meadow Vole

Meadow Voles are small rodents that measure anywhere from two to eight inches in length, with a tail of three to seven inches. They eat a wide variety of plants, seeds, and insects, making them nuisances for homeowners in Cape Coral as well as other parts of Florida.

While some prefer control methods like live trapping or destruction of burrows and nests, the best way to get rid of Meadow Voles is through rodent control strategies such as baiting or snap traps. Traps should be set around the perimeter of your home or yard, where they will catch any intruding voles before they can enter your property.

To effectively get rid of these pests, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company.

Diseases Caused by Rodents

Rodents may be some of the most commonly encountered pests, but very few people realize the potential harm they can cause. They are known for their ability to spread many illnesses both directly and indirectly through their droppings, saliva, and feces.

Diseases such as leptospirosis, typhus, salmonellosis, tularemia, toxoplasmosis, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, rat-bite fever, and plague can all be carried by rodents depending on the climate and population density of these animals.

In order to control these disease vectors, it is essential to control rodent populations. A professional pest control program is necessary to reduce the number of rodents in any given area.

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Protect Your Residential or Commercial Property From Damage by Rodent Control Services

With an Integrated Pest Management approach, you can control rodents over time to protect your home or business from damage while also being conscious of wildlife conservation.

Property owners must be vigilant in their efforts to protect their residential or commercial property from rodent damage, which can include the destruction of building materials and furniture. One of the best ways to safeguard your property is to get help from a rodent control program that uses safe and effective methods.

At Skymark Pest, we have a team of experienced rodent control professionals who always use the most up-to-date products and technology to provide you with the best rodent control solutions. The treatments we use to help protect your property don’t just focus on killing the existing rodent population but also make sure those rodents are prevented from coming back.

Contact us today!