If you’ve just had professional rodent service in your Tarzana home, you might be wondering: what actions can you take to ensure the problem doesn’t return? While a rat exterminator can effectively address an infestation, it’s crucial to follow up with maintenance to keep your home rodent-free in the long term. In this blog post, we’ll go over the steps you, as a homeowner in Tarzana, should take after a rodent service to prevent recurrence. From sealing entry points to knowing when to call a professional for help, we’ve got you covered with expert advice on Tarzana pest control.
Post-Service Maintenance: Key Actions for Tarzana Homeowners
Why Preventative Actions Matter
After your rat control service near me, it’s important to continue taking preventative actions to avoid future infestations. Simply setting traps won’t prevent rodents from coming back; they can find new entry points if they aren’t sealed properly. By addressing these issues proactively, you can ensure that your home remains safe from rodent problems. Regular upkeep, like sealing entry points and cleaning your yard, will give you the peace of mind that you won’t be dealing with a rodent issue again anytime soon.
Sealing Entry Points Around Your Home
One of the most effective ways to prevent rat recurrence is to seal up any potential entry points. Rodents can squeeze through incredibly small cracks, so make sure to inspect areas such as:
- Foundation gaps: Check for cracks around your home’s foundation, especially near utility lines and pipes.
- Vents and windows: Make sure window screens are intact, and all vents are properly sealed.
- Plumbing and doors: Seal gaps around plumbing lines and door frames where rodents can slip through.
Using materials like steel wool, caulk, and metal mesh can effectively block these entry points. Pest control Tarzana offers professional inspections and sealing services to ensure your home is completely secure from rodents.
Cleaning and Landscaping: Keeping Your Yard Rodent-Free
A messy yard can attract rodents, providing them with shelter close to your home. Keeping your yard clean and well-maintained is just as important as addressing the inside of your home:
- Trim shrubs and bushes: Overgrown plants provide perfect hiding spots for rodents.
- Clear debris: Remove leaves, branches, and wood piles from your yard.
- Store firewood away: Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your home and off the ground to deter rodents.
With a clean and well-maintained yard, your home becomes less attractive to rodents looking for a place to nest. Regular yard maintenance will reduce the likelihood of re-infestation.
What Areas Should Be Treated After Rodent Service?
Inside Walls and Attics: Why Treatment Matters
Even after rodent service is completed, don’t forget about areas that rodents love to hide in. Rodents often nest inside walls and attics, making it critical to treat these spaces as well. Here’s why these areas need attention:
- Wall voids: Rodents can chew through walls and create nests in hidden spaces. If left untreated, this can lead to ongoing issues.
- Attics: This is a common place for rodents to seek shelter. Even if the attic looks fine, there could be hidden nests or contamination.
- Insulation: Rodents often gnaw through insulation or contaminate it with droppings. If necessary, replace contaminated insulation to restore your home’s energy efficiency and eliminate health hazards.
A thorough treatment of these areas ensures that no rodent remains are left behind, and your home stays safe from future infestations.
The Importance of Inspections Post-Service
Once rodent service is done, it’s always a good idea to schedule a follow-up inspection to ensure no areas were missed. A professional can inspect areas such as the attic, crawl spaces, and interior walls for signs of lingering rodent activity. Regular inspections will help you stay ahead of any potential problems, keeping your home safe from rodents year-round.
DIY Traps vs. Professional Rodent Control: When to Call a Technician
The Challenges of DIY Rodent Control
DIY traps can be an easy first step, but they often fall short of providing a permanent solution. While traps might catch a few rodents, they don’t address the underlying problem of entry points and hidden nests. Here’s why DIY methods often don’t work long-term:
- Limited coverage: Traps only catch rodents in the open, missing nests and breeding areas.
- Temporary relief: Without sealing gaps and treating hidden areas, rodents will often find new ways in.
- Ongoing damage: Rodents may continue to cause harm in hidden spaces, such as chewing wires or nesting in insulation.
If you’re still hearing noises or seeing signs of rodents after setting traps, it’s time to call in a professional.
When Should You Give Up and Call a Licensed Technician?
Here are some signs that it’s time to give up on DIY methods and call a licensed rat exterminator:
- Persistent noises: If you’re still hearing scurrying or scratching sounds, you have likely hidden nests or entry points that haven’t been addressed.
- Ongoing droppings: If you’re still finding droppings in the same places, the problem is not under control.
- Failed traps: If you’ve had traps set for an extended period with no success, it’s time for professional help.
A licensed technician from Facility Pest Control can perform a thorough inspection, seal entry points, and treat hidden areas to ensure that your home is completely rodent-free
Real Story: Facility Pest Control’s Reliable Service
“Facility Pest Control has been keeping my just shy of an acre property rat and gopher free for more than 5 years. I would never have anyone but Facility Pest Control deal with my yard. I have been able to talk to them about rats, gophers, ground squirrels, rabbits, spiders, mosquitoes, house flies, and crane flies. They really know their stuff. Super friendly as well.” — Michael Murray
Conclusion
To prevent rat recurrence in your Tarzana home, taking the right steps after your rodent service is essential. Sealing entry points, keeping your yard clean, and addressing hidden areas like walls and attics are crucial steps to prevent rodents from returning. If DIY traps aren’t enough, don’t hesitate to call a licensed rat exterminator. Professional pest control Tarzana CA services from Facility Pest Control can provide you with long-term solutions and the peace of mind that your home is safe from future rodent infestations.
Ready for a free quote? Contact us today for professional pest control services and ensure your home stays rodent-free.
