Colder Weather Brings Critters Inside

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Snuggling in front of the fireplace on a crisp autumn night might not be as enjoyable if you see a rodent running across the floor. As colder temperatures creep in, so do rodents - venturing inside homes in search of warmth and shelter.

Among the most destructive vertebrates in existence, mice and rats can chew through wood, plaster and electrical wiring. Rodents also pose serious health threats - transmitting disease-causing organisms, such as Hantavirus and salmonella, through urine, droppings and bites. Unfortunately, your home provides the ideal winter hideout for rodents looking for food, water and warmth.

"Every year we experience an influx of rodent calls during the fall and winter," said Phil Pierce, technical services manager for Western Pest Services. "The most effective way to keep rodents out of the home is to limit their access to food, water and shelter - elements rodents must have in order to survive."

To help prevent a rodent infestation:

    --  Seal any unnecessary holes, cracks and gaps around the house with
        high-quality, weather-resistant sealant. A mouse can fit through an
        opening the size of a dime.
    --  Trim shrubs and other plants away from the house, as rodents can use
        this growth as a cover when attempting to enter homes.
    --  Also, clean out the garage - seal any bags of bird seed, dog food or
        other food sources, and try to de-clutter as much as possible.

    --  Store firewood away from the house and at least a foot off the ground to
        minimize potential nesting sites.

Call your local pest management provider if you notice common signs of a rodent infestation, including droppings, gnaw marks, shredded paper or other shredded materials used in rodent nests. Overall, most cold weather rodent problems can be prevented or reduced with the proper preparation. For a free home inspection and tips to prevent pests in any season, contact Western Pest Services at 1-800-544-BUGS (2847) or www.westernpest.com.

About Western

Founded in 1928, New Jersey-based Western Pest Services serves both residential and commercial customers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Western is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Learn more about Western Pest Services by visiting www.westernpest.com. Learn more about Rollins by visiting www.rollins.com.

SOURCE Western Pest Services

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