Rodents (Mice & Rats)
Mice
Info
Mice are nocturnal creatures, and, therefore, are rarely seen by the homeowner. The most obvious indicators of their presence are droppings (1/8 - 1/2-inches long, dark and pointed at both ends), sounds of them running, gnawing or squeaking, or damage to stored food or materials used for nesting.
Mice can be located anywhere in the home, from the attic and walls to the basement and garage. In the kitchen their presence can be determined easily by droppings and chewed food wrappings.
Treatment eliminates the existing infestation; however prevention is the only way to stop the problem from re-occurring.
At the time of service our technician will give you a brief inspection report of areas in your home that are determined to be entry points. This information is provided as a guideline for the homeowner to use for Do It Yourself preventative sealing.
ICE takes prevention one step further than most, as part of our preventative maintenance program we will actually perform the work, sealing your house from top to bottom. A technician will come out and do a full home inspection (an additional fee may apply) and supply you with a written quotation showing what is required to stop any further re-occurrences.
Either way sealing up should not be done until 2 – 3 weeks after the treatment is done.
Rats
Info
There are two primary species of rats present in the Pacific Northwest: The Norway rat and the roof rat. The Norway rat is both larger and heavier than the roof rat. It has a wider distribution and is usually more common, although the roof rat may be abundant in some localities, usually near coastal areas. Norway rats build their nests in burrows under buildings, low shrubs or ground cover, wood piles, yard accumulations of junk, and garbage dumps. The roof rat, on the other hand, is a better climber than the Norway rat and is more likely to build its nest in walls, attics, vines or trees.
