Rodents are among the most dreaded wildlife intruders despite their relatively docile nature. Rats and mice are often viewed as unclean and diseased, which can be inaccurate descriptions. Still, if you see mice in your house, contact wildlife control in Okanagan immediately to combat the possibility of an infestation. 

Mice and rats can be common problems in some areas. However, people tend to believe the issues are exacerbated by construction, especially in cities. Construction workers claim the assumption is inaccurate, but who is correct? Why does it seem that there is an influx of rats and mice in surrounding areas whenever construction begins? 

Why Might Construction Attract Rats and Mice?

Truthfully, construction does not attract mice and rats. The noise and commotion of construction sites send rodents fleeing to safety. What people experience and perceive as an increase in the rodent population is actually a mass evacuation. 

Construction work disturbs the nests or homes of rodents. The process shakes the ground, eliminates structures, and clears coverage. Rodents do not feel safe when they are exposed, so they run from the site to find new shelter and safety. Unfortunately for surrounding neighbourhoods, rodents will find their way into yards, sheds, garages, and houses.  

Still, it is unfair to say construction attracts rats and mice. If anything, construction sheds light on an existing problem. 

How Increased Construction Creates Risks To Your Home From Wildlife

Construction removes shelters and nests of wildlife. The animals affected by construction are not only rats and mice. Neighbourhoods might see more raccoons, possums, birds, etc. 

As work continues on a specific area, animals become increasingly uneasy. The more frightened wildlife becomes, the more motivated it is to find shelter. Unfortunately, greater motivation often means repeated attempts to enter your home. 

Your house offers a sound and sturdy structure. It provides shelter from stores, noises, and predators. Additionally, wildlife might sense your home has an abundance of food and water. Therefore, it becomes necessary to protect your property and limit vulnerabilities. 

Common Places Mice Might Enter Your Home

Mice have tiny, flexible frames. Their bodies can fit through openings as small as the width of a pencil. Rats can also fit through gaps as small as a coin.  

Because of their agile bodies and incredible ability to climb, rodents can enter your house from several areas. Some of the most common entry points include: 

• Roof or wall vents 
• Brick gaps 
• Foundation cracks 
• Windowsill cracks 
• Plumbing openings 

Preventative Techniques To Reduce Your Risks

Homeowners need to focus on property maintenance to reduce the risk of a rodent infestation. There are several preventative methods you can use or adopt to limit the risks to your property, including: 

• Seal all external openings and cracks 
• Remove plantings from around the foundation 
• Use sealant on all windows and doors 
• Hire a professional to assess your property 
• Keep floors and counters clean 
• Wash dishes after every meal 
• Store trash in a sealed bin 
• Keep pet food in sealed containers inside. 

Seeking Professional Assistance

If you see mice or rats in your house, you should consult an expert about mice removal. Rodents are cautious creatures, so if you see one, there are more. How many more depends on how long the animals have been inside. A homeowner could have hundreds of mice in their house within a year.

Do you suspect you have mice or rats in or around your property? Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Okanagan and schedule a property inspection. If you know of construction near you, let the service know. The company will schedule a team to visit your property and assess your removal needs. If rodents are located in the home, the Skedaddle team will likely install one-way exits to help resolve the issue.