What attracts mice?
Just like any living beings, rodents require three fundamental elements for their survival: food, shelter, and water. Our homes inherently offer shelter, and often, we unintentionally grant access to the remaining essentials. From leaky plumbing to unattended crumbs on countertops, various factors can be enticing to mice and rats. Common contributors to infestations encompass:
- Food or beverage spills
- Inadequate disposal of trash
- Cluttered or overgrown landscapes
- Unsealed entry points
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How do Rats Get Inside?
Rodents are resourceful creatures, and they have the ability to infiltrate your home or business through nearly any available opening. Certain species, like Norway rats, might dig beneath the ground to locate weaknesses in your foundation. On the other hand, species like roof rats can scale nearby trees or vines to access vulnerable areas such as loose shingles or other potential entry points. Regrettably, rats and mice possess the knack for squeezing through even the smallest cracks or gaps, making it challenging to pinpoint their precise entry methods.
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What Do Rats & Mice Eat?
Rats and mice are omnivorous creatures, meaning they consume a wide variety of foods. Their diet typically includes:
- Grains and Seeds: Both rodents commonly feed on grains like wheat, corn, and oats, as well as various seeds.
- Fruits and Vegetables: They have a preference for fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, and carrots.
- Proteins: Rats are opportunistic scavengers and will eat meat, insects, and other protein sources. Mice, while primarily herbivorous, may also consume protein if available.
- Human Food: Rats and mice are notorious for scavenging human food, including leftovers and pantry items.
- Pet Food: They are attracted to pet food left out in open containers.
- Garbage: Rodents often forage in trash cans and dumpsters for discarded food.
Their adaptability and ability to consume a wide range of foods make them resilient pests.
Are You Attracting Mice and Rats to Your Home?
If you consistently discover indicators of an infestation on your property, there’s probably an enticing factor drawing rodents to your space. Once rodents gain access to your premises, eradicating them can pose a significant challenge.
Fortunately, Springer Professional Home Services is here to assist. With our team of licensed rodent exterminators boasting years over 36 years of expertise in the Iowa area, we excel at identifying the underlying causes of infestations. Once we determine why rats and mice are infiltrating your property, we collaborate with you to develop a tailored treatment strategy that not only eliminates the pests but also ensures their long-term exclusion.
What Attracts Mice in Des Moines?
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