Are rodents mammals? Do mothballs keep rodents away? Here's a stress-free guide for Katy residents on the types of rodents that may invade your home, the damage and danger they cause, why DIY rodent control isn't your best option, and how rodent and pest control in Katy can help.

Types Of Rodents That Commonly Invade Katy Homes

It should be no surprise that plenty of rodents love Texas' warm, sunny climate, including:

• House mice: House mice can grow up to four inches long and have round bodies, beady eyes, and cream-colored bellies. They build nests with any soft material they can find, usually near a food source.

• Roof rats: Roof rats are excellent climbers and may climb trees to get onto rooftops and enter attics or open windows. They have long tails and slender bodies, making it easier for them to climb.

• Norway rats: Norway rats are heavier and bulkier than roof rats, so you won't often find them trying to climb. These rats prefer to burrow in through basements or entry-level floors.

Regardless of the type of rodent, it's important to keep them out of your Katy home.

The Damage & Dangers Rodents Can Create In Your Home

Are rodents dangerous? Yes, unfortunately, rodents in Texas can be extremely dangerous for you and your home, and here's how:

• They can spread dangerous diseases, including the plague, hantavirus, tularemia, and rat-bite fever through feces, urine, and sometimes bites or scratches.

• They can cause significant property damage in your home by chewing holes to get inside, eating through insulation, or nibbling on electrical wires.

• They may pick up other parasites, like ticks, fleas, or mites, before they enter your home and then bring these blood-suckers inside with them.

Do rats and mice bite or scratch? Although it's not very common for mice, rats, and other rodents to try and attack, they can sometimes lash out.

Like any pest, rodents may feel threatened or cornered if you – or a pet – get too close, and this can be another way for them to transmit dangerous diseases to you. However, it's far more likely for rodents to flee and run than for them to try and fight off potential threats. Still, you should never try to combat rodents on your own.

The Hassles With DIY Rodent Control

When they first spot rats or mice in their home, many homeowners want to solve the problem on their own. Unfortunately, DIY rodent treatments or home remedies aren't as effective as they may promise to be – and here's why:

Mothballs

You may hear mothballs advertised as a popular remedy for getting rid of rodents. Homeowners will place mothballs in areas where there's higher rodent activity, like around cracks and crevices in your basement or attic.

Many people believe mothballs work because they contain naphthalene, making it impossible for blood cells to carry oxygen. Mothballs may have enough of this compound to deter or repel moths, but there's not enough inside of them to get rid of rodents. In fact, the number of mothballs you'd need to repel rodents would put a dangerous amount of naphthalene in the air for humans and pets too.

Peppermint Oil

You can soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around areas where rodents may enter your home. Some people believe the potent aroma of peppermint oil will deter rodents due to their sensitive noses – but peppermint oil has little to no effect on mice and rats.

Ultrasonic Rodent Repellers

Ultrasonic rodent repellers, which you can purchase from most local DIY stores, are supposed to emit sound waves that repel rodents. Although this solution may seem to keep rats and mice away temporarily, it's usually not effective over time. Not only can furniture and other personal belongings interfere with the sound waves, but most rodents are intelligent enough just to avoid areas of your home with repellers.

While a simple DIY technique can be a tempting option, it's unlikely to solve a rodent problem in a lasting way.

The Trick To Stress-Free & Effective Rodent Control

From mothballs to mouse traps, DIY rodent control is not only ineffective but potentially dangerous as well. Rather than waste your time and money on techniques that won't work, the safest way to deal with rodents in Katy is with the professional help of All-Safe Pest & Termite.

If you're finding evidence of rodents around your home, don't wait for the problem to get worse – contact us today at All-Safe Pest & Termite to learn more about how our rodent control services work.

I have been with them for several years. They are always responsive if any issues arise, and are completely on top of our quarterly treatments. I love it, because I don’t have…

Joanna P.

Invisible Invaders: Ghost Ant Control Strategies Unveiled In Dallas

December 8, 2023

Are ghost ants invisible here in Dallas? Learn more about these pests today and find a great way to avoid an ant infestation locally.

Read More

Eliminating Rodent Risks: Effective Strategies For Business Rodent Control In…

December 7, 2023

Are you looking to protect your business from rodents? Discover effective strategies for business rodent control in Frisco.

Read More

Spider Prevention Made Easy: A Comprehensive Guide For Sugar Land Homeowners

November 30, 2023

Spiders are a common menace to homeowners in the Sugar Land area. These creepy arachnids are the cause of a lot of issues in the home.

Read More