All posts in “rodents”

Bug Season

Bug Season is fast upon us here in Arizona, scorpions never had a chance to freeze and much of their food lived as well. Cockroaches, earwigs, ants, beetles, caterpillars, spiders all may have overwintered. We have some warm, Ok HOT temperatures and they are probably more active during evening hours. Rodents would come out at night as many other wildlife would.

There are a number of great reasons to have a Pest Control treatment – we have scheduling software so we can come as often and regular as you think necessary. We can also offer customized service packages based on our recommendations. We know bugs/rodents/birds etc and we know their habits and wants. Its about knowledge not just the spraying.

$45 anytime you call for under 2000 square foot home and there are some exceptions. Honeybees, bedbugs and termites are just a few because they are didn’t that general bugs.

 

Snakes & Rodents

Well it’s that time of the year for snakes to become a tad more adventuresome . They are looking for food and may be drawn into your property following their food. They like ground squirrels, rodents and smaller game. So, much like scorpions and their food, it is important to keep an eye out for rodent activity leading to snake activity.

Remember snakes are venomous versus poisonous, they bite and that is the difference. Anything that bites, injects is venomous while things like Poison Ivy is poisonous – if you eat it etc.

Snakes provide a real service by keeping the population of rodents in check. Many people would argue but even rattlesnakes have their place – as long as its not near or in your home. ProBest does have a service to remove those snakes from your property. The only thing I ask, please keep an eye out until we arrive so it doesn’t take us an hour to find it. Please call ProBest Pest Management today for any information 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176.

Rat holes

Does your yard have rat holes, do you know what is happening in your yards or your neighbors? Rats or rodents in general can do a lot of damage to wiring and irrigation pipes. Their teeth continue to grow and they need to gnaw them down and they do it by using wiring and other harder items.

Now if that wasn’t bad enough consider for a moment that they might get into your home? They are not very clean and can distribute urine and feces everywhere. They can carry in parasites like ticks and mites. They can also damage any plastic in the home. The other issue in Arizona is the more rats you have the greater possibility of snakes. The snakes looking for food, often will trail them right into your yard or area and set up shop.

Now most snakes are probably OK but you don’t want those venomous ones like the West Rattlesnakes etc. If you don’t know what they look like don’t take a chance. Always, always use gloves and pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t just throw bait in the rat holes, they can and will kick it out. Poison Control is 1-800-222-2222 and as always call 911 immediately. We can help with snake removal so call ProBest once you are safe 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176. Always take care, we live in a desert – caution.

Screw me

Screw me, have you ever had a day when all goes against you? Even the rats are out to get me. It was a sign – have you ever had a rat bring you a present in the rodent station? OK I’m just kidding, I don’t think they are that smart or maybe they are? I’ve had rats that are trap shy so you have to be clever with them.

Ways to keep the rats out.

1. Check your home frequently for holes, rub marks (rats have oily fur).

2. Pick up fruit daily, see f you notice teeth marks.

3. Check areas of pool pumps and ac units for rat poop.

4. Pay attention to noises coming from attic or roof.

5. If your neighbors mention rodents, take care. They will not go away on their own, they require food and water and will stay in an area.

As always if you are unsure you call ProBest 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176.

Bite marks

Bite marks and pipes or wires, what’s the damage from? My first guess is rodents, they love to gnaw things which in turn helps to keep their teeth from growing to long. Don’t wait until they attack your pool pump or air conditioning – I’ve heard that that can cost upwards of $350 +++++. See the picture and the Bite mark, can it cause a fire, you bet ya? Don’t wait call ProBest today 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176

I think fire ants which like vibration maybe rodents are drawn to the noise. Maybe the wires are like the car engines years ago that had a waxy coating from soy on them. Whatever it is they like to gnaw so don’t let them destroy your car or pumps.

Pocket Gopher issues

Pocket gopher issues along with rodents digging up your yard or playfield can lead to injuries. The kids or adult are running and step in a hole breaking ankles or wrists in the effort to have fun. Not so much fun in the Urgent Care or hospital.

Pocket Gophers generally plug the opening while rats and other vermin don’t – so seeing the picture if can easily identify it as a pocket gopher. They tend to remain in their burrows only coming above ground in an emergency. If their den was flooded or snakes are invading then they probably will do what they have to to escape.

Holes – Rodents – Those things that should live outside.

So what are all those holes around your home? No idea, could be rats, mice, spiders and/or snakes. Well it’s a good bet that you wil find out soon, either the temperature or the rain will probably draw them out. Or maybe you have seen something. Better call before they start scavenging for food especially if its rodents. They really like to gnaw on wires and pipes, that will cost more than the preventive treatment.

  • Check home for holes and entry points. Fix them
  • Check screens.
  • Check for fallen fruit.
  • Check garage door for entry points.
  • Call ProBest if you need an opinion 480-831-9328

Desert Holes

Desert holes can mean just about anything. I have seen mice to rats and even snakes emerge from various holes. With rodents such as mice and rats expect snakes to be right behind. That includes rattlers so use extreme caution while hiking or even around your home.

If you notice desert holes, check them out. One of the BIG things with me when I’m checking homes is to check pool pump and air conditioning units for signs of rodents. If you see poop, it is time for bait stations – these little pests gnaw pipe and wires. That bill alone will be several hundreds of dollars. Check your property monthly and avoid the headaches and call ProBest Pest management for all your pest needs 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176.

Foam Fail

Foam Fail

Foam Fail, foam is not suitable for sealing rodent holes. Rodents will gnaw right through this stuff, there is nothing in this stuff to prevent them. You need hardware cloth, cooper or steel wool. This will stop them from gaining access.

Now here is the problem, the foam expands and expand and well you got it expands. In some ways you can’t stop this foam from expanding. It also has a solvent in it and it is really messy. If you can control it, very minor squeeze of the handle to limit the flow helps.

Rodent entry points

Rodent entry points

Rodent entry points, or any method of which a rodent can enter a structure can cause great distress to your family. Rats = a quarter sized hole while mice = a dime sized hole.

I think this hole above is obvious, but think of all the places that might be smaller and easily accessible. Rodent entry points may include weep screen, pipes that go into wall, a/c penetrations, loose or no screens, under doors or garage doors. Sheds are also an easy target for all kinds or pests. That monthly inspection of your home is essential to a cozy living space with pests. Pick up fruit that has fallen, don’t clutter your yard or house. Don’t make it easy on those critters.

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