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Rodents in walls can be a serious nuisance, causing damage to insulation, wiring, and drywall. They can also pose serious health risks. Successfully getting rid of mice or rats in the wall of a house requires a combination of trapping, exclusion, and prevention. It is important to act quickly, as a small rodent problem can escalate into a full-blown infestation if left unchecked.
While there are key differences between rats and mice, both of these rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small openings to gain access to your home. Once inside, they often nest within wall voids, using insulation for warmth and security. Understanding how they get in helps select the most effective rodent-proofing methods for long-term prevention.
Rodents enter homes through a variety of openings, many of which go unnoticed by homeowners.
Regularly inspecting these areas and sealing them with appropriate materials like caulk, elastomeric sealant, steel wool, or hardware cloth can prevent infestations.
Rodents are often heard before they are seen. Their presence in walls can indicate an infestation and a need for prompt rat or mouse control.
One of the first signs of a rodent in the wall is scratching noises or the sound of scurrying as rodents search for food and nesting materials. These sounds can be heard especially well at night when rodents are most active. If you hear these sounds, it’s important to investigate further to confirm the presence of rodents. If you’re struggling to pinpoint the source of these noises, call in the experts from Ehrlich.
A widely-known rodent fact is that rodents have strong teeth that continuously grow. They gnaw objects to keep them from becoming too long. This can lead to:
If you notice signs of chewing, contact a rodent control professional immediately to prevent further damage.
A persistent foul smell in certain areas of your home could indicate droppings or urine from a rat or mouse. Over time, these odors become stronger and may signal a growing infestation. The scent to look out for is a strong ammonia-like odor, particularly in confined spaces like closets or attics. Prompt cleaning and disinfection are necessary to prevent health risks, as rodent waste can carry harmful pathogens.
Once you confirm rodent activity, removal should be done carefully to avoid leaving the rodent stuck inside the wall.
Trapping is an effective way to capture rodents before they retreat back into walls. Snap traps or electronic traps should be placed near baseboards, under sinks, and around identified entry points.
Using high-protein foods like peanut butter, nuts, or pet food as bait increases effectiveness. Since rodents tend to move along walls rather than through open spaces, positioning traps along these travel routes maximizes their success. Check traps daily and dispose of captured rodents to prevent odor issues.
After successfully removing rodents, sealing all entry points is crucial to preventing re-infestation. Small gaps should be filled with steel wool and caulk, as rodents cannot easily chew through these materials. Larger openings need to be covered with metal sheeting or hardware cloth to create a durable barrier. Additionally, installing door sweeps and repairing damaged vents will help block common entryways and keep rodents from returning.
A thorough inspection of your home’s exterior can help identify and address vulnerabilities.
Tamper-proof bait stations can help reduce the overall rodent population while preventing dead rodents from decomposing inside wall voids. These should be placed in areas with high rodent activity, such as near dumpsters, sheds, or garages. It is important to use rodenticide carefully, ensuring it is placed in child- and pet-safe stations. Regular monitoring and replenishing of bait stations help maintain their effectiveness over time.
DIY methods can seem like less hassle than calling the professionals, but they can create more problems than they solve. Avoid these common mistakes.
Drilling to remove a mouse in the wall of a house should be avoided, as it can cause unnecessary damage. Without proper removal techniques, this method may lead to rodents becoming trapped, worsening odor problems, and structural damage to drywall or insulation. There is also an increased risk of electrical hazards if the wiring is disturbed. Only professionals should drill into walls if necessary.
Applying rodenticide inside walls can result in rodents dying in inaccessible areas, leading to strong decomposition odors lasting for weeks. This can also lead to secondary pest infestations, as decaying rodents attract flies and maggots. In turn, this presents health risks from airborne bacteria released as the carcass breaks down.
Ultrasonic repellents are not a reliable solution. Rodents may initially avoid the area but often return once they get used to the sound. The soundwaves may not penetrate walls effectively, either, making them ineffective for wall infestations. Results may vary with rats vs mice, but they are not a long-term solution for rodent control.
Preventative measures are key to keeping rodents out long-term.
Regular inspections help detect vulnerabilities. Key areas to check include:
Rodents are attracted to food and moisture. Prevent access by:
Cluttered areas offer shelter for rodents, providing them with hiding spots and nesting materials. To reduce the risk of infestation, keep storage spaces tidy, especially in basements, attics, and garages where rodents are more likely to seek shelter. Store items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, which rodents can easily chew through.
Rodent infestations can be challenging to handle without the right tools. Professionals use advanced methods such as infrared cameras and motion sensors to locate rodents inside walls. Ehrlich implements targeted removal techniques to ensure effective trapping without causing unnecessary damage. Exclusion services also help seal entry points and prevent reinfestations, providing a long-term solution to keep rodents out.
If you think you have rodents in the walls, it’s best to act quickly. Our professional pest control services ensure effective rodent removal while minimizing damage to your home. Contact Ehrlich today for a comprehensive inspection and long-term protection.
To remove rodents from walls, set traps near exit points like baseboards or vents. Once they are eliminated, seal entry points with steel wool and caulk to prevent re-infestation. If the problem persists, professional pest control services like Ehrlich can provide effective solutions.
Scratching sounds in walls often indicate rodent activity. These noises are typically heard at night when rodents are most active, as they move through wall voids, chew on materials, or build nests. A professional inspection can confirm the source and extent of the issue.
The quickest way to eliminate rats in walls is to place snap or electronic traps near known entry points. Avoid using poison inside walls, as it can lead to dead rodents decomposing in hard-to-reach areas.
Rodents can live in walls for several months to over a year, depending on food and water availability. Without intervention, they will continue to breed, worsening the infestation. Removing food sources and sealing entry points are key to long-term control.
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