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Can rats eat through plastic?

Rodents are very skilled at finding food. They can easily gnaw through plastic and cardboard packaging to get at food.

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Does a hot tub increase home value?

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Rodents such as mice or rats can often live inside homes for weeks or months without being detected. These pests are small and agile, and they are also skilled at burrowing into out-of-the-way and hard-to-reach places in houses, and hiding there. Once you detect the presence of mice or rats, enlist the help of a rodent proofing expert in San Jose to help you get rid of your current infestation and make sure that these pesky creatures don’t return. Here are a few signs that might indicate you have a rodent problem.

Tiny Bite Marks

Mice and rats gnaw on non-food materials in order to keep their incisor teeth honed. Check along wooden baseboards and behind wooden shelves and cabinets. Tiny, uneven marks could be signs of rodent gnawing activity. Also, inspect wires that connect appliances to their power supplies and to one another. Rodents are also known to chew on these, which can actually pose a fire hazard.

Holes in Food Packaging

Rodents are very skilled at finding food. They can easily gnaw through plastic and cardboard packaging to get at food. Check upper cabinets as well as lower ones, because rodents are also adept climbers. Remember to throw out any food containers that look like they have been gnawed by rats or mice, as rodents can spread disease.

Rodent Droppings

Mouse and rat droppings are tiny, hard, dry black or brown pellets. Rodents will leave them behind virtually everywhere they go, so droppings are one of the most visible signs of an infestation. Inspect your kitchen counters and cabinets, and also look carefully at the dust and dirt you sweep out from under furniture.

Nests

Once you have detected one of the other signs of rodent infestation, conduct a more thorough search of the home to find any nests they might have made. These will usually be in out-of-the-way dark places, such as inside boxes or cabinets, between furniture and the wall, inside furniture cushions, and other such areas. Also, inspect the basement and attic, as these are common spots where rodent nests can go unnoticed for months.

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Does Costco put together sheds?
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What smell do rats love?

Smells and Odors that attract rats Odors and smells that come from pet waste, pet food, garbage containers, barbecue grills, birdfeeders, and even from unharvested fruit and nuts from plants can attract rats and mice.

Set Outdoor Traps for Rats

There are several different kinds of rat traps. Each type of trap uses a different method of catching a rat, but all can be effective. Consider the pros and cons of each trap type to select the best trap for your situation.

Snap Rat Traps

With the right bait and location setup, the traditional snap traps are still the most common and effective way of catching rats. These rodents are primarily nut and seed eaters, so using a small amount of peanut butter or hazelnut spread works best. When temperatures drop outside, rodents tend to slow down and focus on building nests, so you can also lure them by using materials such as cotton balls, dental floss, yarn, or twine. Additionally, make sure you use gloves while setting up – rodents can detect your scent on traps you’ve handled and can potentially deter them from reaching your trap. Be very careful when setting rat traps. You need to be mindful of where they are and what else may be able to reach them.

Here's a quick video about how to set a rat trap.

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Can you add new insulation over old?
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