How Long Does it Take to Get Rid of Rats and Mice?
Once you call an expert, one of the first questions people ask is, “How long until they’re gone?” The timeline for removing an initial rodent population varies, but homeowners need to have realistic expectations.
The Removal Timeline
Removing an initial rodent population can take up to six weeks or sometimes longer, depending on the severity of the issue. In one extreme case, a single mouse took five weeks to catch.
For a relatively small problem, like two mice, the service process is detailed and methodical:
- We start with setting exterior bait stations and finding and sealing all entry points.
- The service includes a 30-day follow-up visit.
- After the initial removal, clients are typically put on an ongoing quarterly maintenance program.
Baiting and Trapping: What Works
While many homeowners think they can outsmart rodents, they can be surprisingly intelligent.
- Baiting: For trapping, we’ve found that peanut butter or molasses works well, but the best bait is often whatever the rodents are already trying to eat. For poison baits, we use products from Bell Labs, and it’s essential that you control all other food sources to ensure the rodents go after the bait.
- A Word of Caution: Rats are cannibalistic, so a dead rat will not deter others but will actually attract them.
Post-Service Reporting
To keep you informed of our progress and the specific measures we took, a service report is emailed to the customer after every visit, detailing activity levels and the remedy used.
When to Call a Professional Mouse Exterminator or Rat Exterminator
Don’t wait for a full-blown infestation. You should call a professional pest control service as soon as an issue is suspected. This includes seeing droppings, a physical rodent, smelling something unusual, or hearing noises in the walls.
If you try DIY trapping first, you run the risk of the rodents developing “trap shyness”. This approach was successful in one instance, but it was much more tedious and expensive for the customer and required a second trapping process.
Online or Call 360-859-9090
