There are many things that today’s cities strive to earn a top 10 position in, but top 10 cities for most rodents and cockroaches is surely not one of them. Here in Houston, we have earned the dubious distinction of being in the top 10 list for the highest rates of rats and cockroaches when comparing the 25 largest cities in the United States. According to the most recent American Housing Survey, Houston ranked 4th highest in rat infestation, 9th highest in cockroaches, and 10th overall in evidence of unspecified rodents. The rodent population is surely a concern when you consider all that these little pests imply.
Rodents, in general, are dangerous because of their ability to carry and transmit disease to humans. They can spread disease through their feces and saliva as they scamper through your home foraging for scraps of food to satisfy their ravenous appetites. Rodents also carry bacteria on their feet and legs that they pick up while touring the dumpsters and trash cans in the neighborhood and deposit these bacteria wherever they step in your kitchen or pantry! – Not a pleasant thought at all! They are not just a danger by direct contact either. Rodents are beloved hosts to ticks, lice, fleas and other insects who spend their days riding on these little furry friends feeding on their blood. In the process, these insects can become infected with the diseases that their host meals are carrying; and, in turn, infect us when they bite.
There are a few things we can do to help eliminate these rodents from our environment. Keep in mind that rodents can fit in spaces as small as a nickel!
Seal cracks and holes – especially where utilities and pipes enter your home
Replace weather stripping around doors and windows
Repair screens on doors and windows
Store food in airtight containers
Remove trash and garbage regularly
Eliminate moisture from leaking pipes, ac units etc.
Ventilate attics, crawlspaces, and basements properly
Even with our most diligent efforts, these little rodents are sneaky and resilient and often force their way into our homes anyway. They are attracted to the cozy, warm shelter and easy-to-find-food environment that we offer them. Be sure that you are diligent to inspect for these unwanted creatures; and in the event that you find that they have taken up residence with you call a professional like Holder’s Pest Solutions to help you evict them. Here at Holders, we have been leading the fight against rodents and pests since 1947, and can be trusted to use the most permanent solutions with the least amount of waste and environmental impact. We use the most up-to-date technology and products to ensure the highest degree of personal service, outstanding performance, and unconditional satisfaction.
If you find rodents to be a problem in your home or business call Holder’s and let’s remove Houston from the top 10 rodent list!