Virginia Rodent Control

Serving the Eastern Shore Areas of Virginia 

Are you or other members of your household suffering from allergies, but you can't identify the cause? Is there a strange smell in your kitchen after you return from work, but you're not sure where it is coming from? If so, there may be mice or rats in the house causing these problems. Get rid of your rodent problem as soon as possible by turning to your reliable experts here at Universal Pest & Termite.

A rodent infestation can get out of hand quickly, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us at the first sign of trouble. We will go above and beyond to assess the situation and use our many years of experience and top-of-the-line tools and products to eliminate your rodent problem completely and quickly. Furthermore, we will create a treatment program based on your family's health and safety needs, what biological science says about the survival habits of various pests, and laws and regulatory guidelines in your area.

Call us today at (757) 699-5166 to schedule your estimate with our professional, experienced and reliable team.

How Rodents Impact Your Health and Property

Rodents like rats and mice are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious health risks and can cause costly damage to your property. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rodents are known carriers of diseases such as Hantavirus, Salmonella, and Leptospirosis, which can spread through their droppings, urine, and saliva. These pathogens can easily contaminate food, surfaces, and even the air in your home.

Furthermore, rodents can wreak havoc on your property. Their constant gnawing can damage electrical wiring, increasing the risk of house fires, as well as destroy insulation and structural components. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that rodents cause up to 25% of house fires in the U.S. by chewing through electrical wires. Addressing a rodent problem early not only protects your health but also prevents the significant structural damage these pests can cause.

At Universal Pest & Termite, we use advanced diagnostic tools and strategies to not only remove existing rodents but to prevent future infestations. From inspecting your home’s weak points to recommending exclusion techniques, our team ensures long-term protection from these destructive pests.

Telltale Signs of a Rodent Problem

One of the first signs of a rodent issue in Virginia is the distinct and unpleasant smell of rat urine. When it collects in enclosed spaces like walls or kitchen cabinets, the smell can become overpowering. Our experts can help eliminate the unpleasant odors resulting from a rodent infestation, restoring your home to normalcy.

Other signs to watch for include:

• Tiny droppings on countertops or in drawers
• Gnaw marks on food packages or walls
• Scratching noises from within walls or ceilings
• Rodent nests in hidden places such as attics, basements, or behind appliances

Additionally, be wary if family members wake up with bite marks, which could be a sign of rodent bites. Should you observe any of these signs, contact us immediately to assess the situation.

How to Prevent Rodent Infestations in Your Virginia Home

Prevention is the best defense against rodent infestations. By following a few proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of rats or mice invading your home. Here are some tips:

• Seal Entry Points: Mice can fit through holes as small as a dime, so inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, foundations, and around doors or windows. Use caulk or steel wool to seal these entry points.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Rodents are attracted to food sources. Keep your kitchen clean by storing food in airtight containers and promptly cleaning up spills or crumbs. Don’t forget to empty trash bins regularly and store them away from your home.
• Trim Vegetation: Overgrown bushes or trees can provide rodents with easy access to your home. Keep landscaping tidy and trim back tree branches that are near your roof.
• Remove Water Sources: Mice and rats need water to survive, so fix leaky faucets or pipes and eliminate standing water around your property.

Common Locations Where Rodents Build Nests

When mice or rats find a convenient spot in your home, they'll take advantage of it and create a nest. While rodents typically build their nests indoors, they are not limited to this choice. Some alternative locations where they might nest may seem harmless to you, but they can be dangerous. Rodents often choose places like barns, garages, chicken coops, tree canopies, and any other areas where they feel safe and hidden from predators.

Common indoor places where mice and rats create nests include:

• Attics, where exposure to the outdoors is limited, and they are safe from predators
• Under kitchen cabinets
• Inside walls, behind baseboards, in large appliances like refrigerators, within caulking or observation holes, and near utility lines
• Behind appliances, inside cabinets, or just about anywhere else in your home

Especially during colder months, high and safe spots like attics provide rodents with warmth, a place to store food, a potential water source, and a place to sleep.

What Do Rodents Look Like?

About Mice & Rats in Virginia + The Eastern Shore

In Virginia and the Eastern Shore, rodents are especially common, driven indoors by cold weather or the search for food. A clean home can help reduce the risk of a rodent infestation, but it’s not always enough. Even well-organized, spotless homes can fall prey to rodents. 

Mice and rats need three things: food, water, and shelter. They’ll find a way in through the tiniest cracks, scaling trees or walls to access your roof. While keeping areas tidy and reducing food sources, like properly storing pantry items and taking out the trash regularly, is helpful, sealing entry points and maintaining outdoor spaces is also essential. Rodents are resourceful, and any available shelter could become their new home.

Protect your home from dangerous rodent infestations today! Contact our expert team at Universal Pest & Termite for fast, reliable rodent control services in Virginia. Schedule your inspection now!