Rodent pest control involves discouraging infestations of mice and rats as well as avoiding contact with rodents. This generally involves removing shelter, water, and food sources. This is done by first sealing holes around the home to prevent invasion. This may involve inserting barriers in the holes to actually making changes to the physical structure. Also, strategically trapping rodents outside the home is included in the overall strategy. Then it is important to clean up the potential nesting areas and food sources.

Sometimes rodent pest control preventive measures don't work by themselves. Sometimes it requires the identification of the problem source so a treatment method can be developed. Unless a rodent infestation is particularly bad, you may never see one. However you may notice dog food or other types of food bags torn open and eaten. The inevitable sign that causes most home owners to cringe is the tell-tale droppings that will show around entry and nesting areas, and food sources. Also, pungeant smells, particularly of rodent urine may well be present.

To exterminate rodents yourself, you will have the choice of traps, poison bait or both. Most people don't have much affinity for rats or mice that have invaded their house so they opt for kill traps that snap shut or glue strips that trap the critters in order to allow the home or business owner to dispose of them appropriately. This is pretty distasteful but sometimes necessary to eradicate the bulk of pests that have invaded some area of a building.

Poison bait is another rodent pest control option and is most effective when combined with kill traps to quickly eradicate rodents yourself. The kill traps baited with cheese or peanut butter will rapidly eradicate the most active rodents, while the bait will kill the remaining, but more cautious rodents. Rats and mice die after consuming the poison baits, most of which are formulated to cause the rodents to seek out a water source driving them outside the home or office building. This keeps the bulk of them from dieing inside the walls or inside in areas where they will cause an odor. When using poison bait be sure to read all application instructions and warnings. Rodent pesticide can be harmful to humans or pets if used improperly.

For more serious infestations of rodents, a licensed professional exterminator may be required. When using a pest control company be careful not to go by price alone. Be sure exterminators are licensed, bonded and have all necessary regulatory compliance in place before allowing them to tackle your rodent pest control job. The National Pesticide Information Center has a call number for the public (1-800-858-7378). They can confirm the credentials and recommend a pest control company in your area.

There are two regulatory agencies that are involved in the composition, application and safety of pesticides and companies licensed to apply them. The Centers for Disease Control deals with the effects of poisons on populations where they are used. The Environmental Protection Agency oversees their effect on the environment in general.