There has been a significant increase in rat activity this summer and that activity doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The good news is that if you need animal control in Durham, there’s a quick and effective solution to be found in the form of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. It’s likely that rat activity has spiked in recent times due to the weather; usually, rats are holding on to dear life in the winter, but the last three winters have been mild. As a result, instead of just surviving, the rats have actually been procreating. Consequentially, in the summer their numbers have spiked. Here’s what you need to know to help prevent your home from becoming infested with rodents.
- Never close the holes right away
- Make the environment inhospitable
- Trapping as a last resort
- Don’t forget your car

Mouse entry points are common around piping and wires.
Never Close the Holes Right Away
It’s a basic instinct to panic when one spots a hole in the wall where a rodent might have entered. The most important thing is to leave it open so the rodent has a place to exit your home. The last thing you want is something dying in your walls, creating a terrible smell that will spread through the house.
Make the Environment Inhospitable
With proper prevention, a rodent infestation can be avoided. Making your homes inhospitable to rodents can do wonders. Keep your garbage secured and compost closed, and keep loose foliage away from any of the exterior walls of your home. You want the rodent to feel that your home does not offer shelter or food, forcing them to look elsewhere.
Trapping as a Last Resort
When considering which trap to use, you should know the classics work the best. The snap traps are proven to be effective, but make sure you are using the proper sized tapss, as the smaller ones are intended for mice and will only anger the bigger rat. Despite what cartoons may tell you, cheese doesn’t work that well as bait. When choosing what bait to place on the trap, you should know Nutella, peanut butter and bacon all work great.

Weep holes, often found on brick homes, are a common mouse entry point.
Don’t Forget Your Car
It’s becoming increasingly normal for rats to enter the underside of vehicles and chew on the wiring. It’s best to prevent such a situation. One way to do that is to park away from areas rodents find comfortable. If there is a lot of foliage close to where you parked, it may be a good idea to move. If they do get underneath, make sure the engine is shampooed as quickly as possible.
Faced with Rodent Problems? Here’s What Skedaddle Can Do for You
When looking for professional animal control in Durham, there are a lot of companies that can help you. A particular reason to go with Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Services is the company’s unique three-step removal and proofing process. Not only does Skedaddle start by assessing and removing the critters from your home, but it also provides cleaning and sanitization services as a follow-up activity. Lastly, Skedaddle also takes care of future-proofing your residence against re-entry, thereby providing a full and guaranteed service when it comes to dealing with rodent infestations. Get in touch with Skedaddle today and ensure your home is free of rodents permanently.