While winter means dropping temperatures and changing home needs, it does not mean that you are free of the risk of certain pests in your home. It’s true that certain insect types are far less common this time of year, but certain other pests are still alive and well – and may even be a greater risk as they search for warmth.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re here to help protect you from one of the primary such pests here: Rodents. Our rodent control services include mice, rats, voles and several other types, many of which will look to form nesting areas in your insulation. Let’s go over why and how this happens, plus some of the signs you might notice that indicate rodents have invaded your insulation.
Rodents and Warmth
Virtually all rodents prefer warm, safe environments with plenty of shelter available, and the insulation areas inside your home’s walls, attic and other areas are often the perfect choice for them. Insulation is made specifically for warming purposes, after all, and it’s also malleable and easy to move around in or chew through.
For this reason, rodents that are allowed into the home will often nest in these areas. Once a single nest has been established and the rodent is comfortable, a colony will often follow. Not only do these rodents pose major potential health risks, they also damage your insulation and may contribute to heating loss and rising HVAC bills during the winter.
Electrical Insulation
In some other cases, rodents may actually prefer the electrical insulation found around cables and wires in the lining of your home. Mice and rats, in particular, have been known to chew wires bare to remove their insulation, then put it to their own use. The softer casing is easy for them to chew on – and this is not only a health risk, but also a major fire hazard.
Food Source
In still other situations, the insulation in your home might be used as a food source for smaller rodents. These animals will eat just about anything, after all, and this could also contribute to heating loss and rising bills.
Droppings and Urine
Some of the first signs you might notice that indicate rodents are present in your insulation are droppings and urine. These can compromise your air quality, particularly when rats carrying diseases are present. If you notice any of these signs or others that might indicate rodents invading, it’s vital to contact our team of exterminators right away for an inspection and rodent control services if needed.
To learn more about this or any of our pest control solutions, speak to the staff at A-1 Exterminators today.
