Rodent Solutions

Rodent Solutions

Here at Orchard we understand the frustration in dealing with a rodent issue. That’s why we’ve developed a process with our full-service rodent exclusion that guarantees an expedited successful rodent exclusion. We take on all the work, stress, and organizing of the project so you don’t have to! Over the years we have developed exclusion methods and techniques using the highest grade materials. This allows us to offer a Life-Time Repair Warranty. Which simply means that we guarantee our repairs for life! Here in California, and here at Orchard, we deal with a few different rodent species:

Norway Rats
The Norway rat, Rattus norvegicus, is also referred to as the:

  • Brown rat
  • Sewer rat
  • Hanover rat
  • Norwegian rat
  • Wharf rat
  • Common rat
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Roof Rats

Roof rats, Rattus rattus, are also known as “Black rats.” They have black fur, long tails and pointed noses. They earned their names by being excellent climbers! So, expect to find roof rats living on the upper levels of your properties and yards–in attics, top-level bedrooms, within your walls and in trees. Roof rats are known to avoid new objects and foods within their living area; therefore, baited traps can go undisturbed for days until their caution is replaced by familiarity or pure hunger. Female Roof rats have up to 5 litters per year, with up to 8 young each instance.

Mice

The House Mouse, Mus musculus, is an adaptable creature that can live in a variety of environments–within residential and commercial structures, fields, parks, and agricultural lots. Mice are usually light brown or gray. Adult mice can be up to 7 inches long, including the tail. Female mice produce 5-10 litters of up to 6 young per year. Mice will eat the same foods as humans, pets and other animals. Consequently, mice can contaminate these food sources with pathogens that lead to salmonellosis (food poisoning). Like the Roof rat, mice are good climbers! They can scale a rough vertical surface. Mice can also jump up to 12 inches. Because mice are small, they have been known to crawl through openings as small as 1/4 inches in diameter.

What Brought the Rats to My Home?

Nothing can be more unnerving, stressful, and creepy than finding rodent droppings inside your home, or finding objects around the house gnawed on and eaten, or hearing scratching and scurrying in the attic, crawlspace, or walls. When this happens the first thing we think is what brought them here? They are attracted to:

  • Food
  • Water
  • Shelter
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Damage to the home or workplace

When a rodent gains access to your home or business, the first thing it wants to do is build a nest, and it has everything it needs right there. – so that means tearing off the insulation and chewing through wood, pipes, wires, appliances, things in storage, and so on.
Ruined insulation will reduce the heating and cooling efficiency of your home. Damaged wooden beams compromise the structural integrity of your home. Damage can lead to potential fires. Damaged plumbing can lead to water damage and foul odors filling the home.

Ruined Personal Belongings

If a rodent can chew it they most likely will. Their teeth continuously grow their entire life so they are constantly chewing on things to keep them under control. These things can be your clothes, games, toys, furniture, etc..

Risk of diseases and pollution

Rats are carriers of several diseases, many of which are harmful to humans and pets. Examples include rat-bite fever, salmonella, tularemia, and hantavirus, among many others. Aside from the health concerns their urine and feces can leave your home with a horrendous odor. We also specialize in rodent dropping cleaning! Check out our sanitation services here.

Rat Control Methods

Rodents are also very intelligent animals. For us to solve the rodent issue we have to outsmart them! This starts by finding the right specialist. We will provide you with a detailed explanation of what is going on and a customized plan of attack custom to your home’s specific needs.
Over the past five years, Orchard has gotten rid of rodents in thousands of homes and businesses in Los Angeles County and Orange County California. And now we want to share some of the most effective ways in getting rid of these pesky pests:

If there is no hole for the rodent to squeeze through they won’t. However, the main issue is that rats can elongate their bodies to pass through small holes – holes as small as 20mm. And mice already being incredibly small can fit through holes as small as a quarter inch.
The first step in combating your rodent issue is to do a very thorough inspection on the home. Locating and listing all holes ¼” and bigger. Even if you’re unsure, screen it off or seal it off as long as it doesn’t interfere with any functionality of anything.
These holes should be sealed with cement, stucco, or hardware cloth. Ensure you use a strong material so that rats won’t chew their way back in.
Trapping is the method of capture we have found to be the best! Reason is, you get to remove each rodent as it is caught. We like to use a few different baits. First we use artificial rodent baits to lure them to the traps. Second and often more successful is actual food for bait: Slim Jim Beef Jerky, peanut butter, and apple slices often work incredibly. Make sure to place multiple traps in the affected areas.
Snap traps
This is the most common rodent trap and the one we use most! The trap works by securing bait to a trigger. Locking the kill bar back into position. When the rodent eats the bait, the kill bar delivers a devastating blow to the back of the rodent’s head, making this a lethal trap.
Electric traps
This is a newer trap available in most hardware stores. Instead of a physical blow to the rodent, it delivers a shock to the rodent strong enough to kill it.

Glue traps
Although they are not the most humane, glue traps work amazingly. Especially for mice. Instead of a lethal shock or blow to the rat or mouse the strong adhesive will keep the rodent stuck and the rodent would have to be euthanized by hand.

There are multiple poisons you can use, however we do not ever recommend using any poisons. The main reason is after the rat or mouse eats it no one knows where it will die. That often leads to them dying in difficult to reach places often inside of walls. At that point you either have to cut the wall open to locate and remove the rodent or deal with the odor for up to one month. Aside from that they aren’t a very safe way of rodent eradication. Pets and young children can often access the poisons and because the rats or mice may die in your yard pets can eat the deceased rodent thereafter.
  • Browning marks at entry points that rodents use– a brownish yellow residue left from dirt on their bodies as they squeeze through
  • Rodent droppings near pet food and water dishes
  • Nests made with shredded paper, cloth or fibrous materials
  • Sounds within your home just after dusk
  • Gnaw marks on wooden fixtures and doors made when rats enlarge entry points
  • Secure your trash cans properly and don’t allow them to overflow.
  • Take your pet food inside, especially at night.
  • Remove bird feeders. (or keep them cleaned up)
  • Keep all vents screened off.
  • Seal any holes around the home that are ¼” or larger.
  • Fence your garden to protect plants.
  • Remove abandoned objects from your yard.
  • Maintain your lawn regularly.
  • Remove any woodpiles and debris from your yard.
  • Cut back any tree branches hanging on or over your roof.

Are you currently dealing with a rodent infestation? Have you tried everything you can to solve the infestation on your own? Have you previously worked with any companies to try and solve the problem? It’s time to get a specialized eye on your home or business. We use the highest grade materials to solve your rodent infestation.

Asides from effective rat removal and control, we also provide decontamination and repair services. Decontamination helps to kill the pathogens left behind by nuisance rats, while repairs help to restore your house to the state it was in before the infestation.
So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to put an end to the reign of rats on your property.

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