Rodents

Black Pest Prevention is a Charlotte, NC-based rodent exterminator providing residential mouse and rat control. As a professional rodent control company, we see all kinds of rodents on a daily basis. Our rodent control services cover a wide variety of these pests. Check out the information below for help identifying the type of rodent infestation you may have, or give us a call to get treatment started!

House Mice

The house mouse is considered one of the most troublesome and economically impactful pests in North and South Carolina. Native to Central Asia, the house mouse arrived in the Carolinas on ships with settlers from Europe and other points of origin. A very adaptable animal, the house mouse often lives in close association with humans, along with Norway rats and roof rats; however, mice are more common and more difficult to control than rats.

House mice live and thrive under a variety of conditions in and around homes. They consume food meant for humans or pets. They contaminate food-preparation surfaces with their feces, which can contain the bacterium that causes food poisoning (salmonellosis). Their constant gnawing causes damage to structures and property. They need very little water to survive.

What is the best bait for mouse traps? For as long as there have been mouse traps people have used cheese for the main attractant, peanut butter is another popular choice as well. There is an issue of peanut allergies that can be very serious so this is becoming less and less used. Place all of your traps against walls, objects or in known runways and never in the middle of the floor or out in the open.

Seal cracks and openings in building foundations and openings for water pipes, vents and utilities with metal or concrete. Steel wool mixed with caulking compound makes a good plug. Patching material needs to be smooth on the surface to prevent mice from pulling out or chewing through the patching compound. Contact our rodent exterminator team today!

Norway Rats

Norway rats are large rodents that may weigh in excess of one pound. With rare exceptions, the Norway rat lives wherever humans live, particularly in urban areas. These commensal rodents are nocturnal and tend to move indoors to warmer areas during late fall or early winter and return to the outdoors in late spring or early summer, or remain indoors if food and suitable harborage are available. They have poor eyesight, relying more on their hearing and their excellent senses of smell, taste, and touch. They tend to gnaw through any material that is softer than their enamel, and they are generally good climbers, jumpers, swimmers and burrowers. Norway rats will eat nearly any type of food. Food items in household garbage offer a fairly balanced diet and also satisfy their moisture needs.

Close all openings larger than ¼ inch to exclude Norway Rats. Repair or replace damaged vent screens. Trim trees, bushes and vines at least 4 feet away from the roof. Remove all potential sources of food from the premises, such as bird seed left out for birds. Routinely harvest ripe fruit and pick up all fruit that has fallen to the ground. Store pet food in metal containers with tight sealing lids and do not leave uneaten pet food outdoors. Keep trash cans closed at all times with tightly fitted lids. Get rid of rats today!

Roof Rats

Roof rats nest outside in trees, woodpiles and debris, and in dense vegetation. Inside, roof rats prefer to nest in the upper levels of a building in the attic and ceiling.

The most extensive damage occurs when roof rats enter the home, so the first goal is to keep them out! Caulk all holes, cracks, crevasses, or gaps (any opening larger than a nickel) on the exterior walls and underneath the eaves of block and/or wood constructed homes/outbuildings, sheds, etc. Look for holes in exterior walls and near hot water heaters, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and under sinks. Roof vents and attic turbine ventilators should be checked and screened if necessary. Fireplaces need to be protected with the proper screening of a chimney cap. Store bulk foods and seeds in metal, sealed, rat-proof containers. (Rats will eat through plastic bins.) All water sources are a welcomed invitation to a roof rat. This can include bird-baths, dog/cat water bowls, fountains, water features, and pools. Drain or empty all standing water sources except pools and spas. (Draining standing water also helps prevent mosquitos.) If you have a swimming pool keep pool water level at least 6 inches below the decking surface. If a rat falls in while getting a drink, it won’t be able to get out of the pool and can drown. It can be fished from the pool with a long-handled net. Black Pest rodent exterminator team can get rid of your rats today!

Our customers are proud of their homes and landscapes, and we are too. That’s why when you hire Black Pest Prevention, your highly-trained technician comes to your home in a clean, well-marked vehicle and wearing a Black Pest Prevention uniform, so you know you’re not letting just anyone into your home. For over 75 years we’ve been protecting homes just like yours, and because we will be visiting your home for years to come, we want you to feel that your rodent control professional is a part of your family—which means trust. For that reason, every member of the Black Pest team goes through an extensive state and federal criminal background and driving record check. Further, we take the use of drugs and alcohol seriously and perform drug testing on all employees. Hire a rodent control expert who logs over 75 hours of ongoing technical and scientific training each year.

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