Hoffman’s Exterminating provides tips to protect the home from a rodent infestation
With cold weather and snow blanketing much of the country, homeowners aren’t the only ones seeking shelter indoors. Hoffman’s Exterminating, a pest management company servicing South Jersey, warns that rodents are also looking for a warm place like our homes to escape the winter chill. Unfortunately, these small pests can cause more than just a headache for homeowners if they gain entrance inside.
“Rodents can contaminate food sources and serve as vectors of many diseases, such as salmonella and the potentially fatal Hantavirus,” said William T. Hoffman, President & CEO of Hoffman’s Exterminating. “Moreover, mice and rats can cause serious structural damage by chewing through insulation, wallboards, wood and electrical wiring.”
It’s much easier to prevent an infestation than to get rid of pests after they’ve found a cozy retreat inside the home. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following tips to keep homes rodent-free this winter:
- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.
- Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
- Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags and other packages brought into the home.
Hoffman also advises homeowners to be on the lookout for signs of an infestation. “If you find rodent feces or hear sounds of scurrying in the walls, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect the home for rodents.”
Do you have a pest problem in your South Jersey home? Reach out to Hoffman’s Exterminating today.
