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If you’ve been hearing scratching in the walls at night or spotting droppings in the pantry, chances are rodents have already moved in. It’s a problem we see all the time in Dallas.
When it’s cold in the winter or hot in the summer, rats and mice start looking for food, water, and a place to hide. Most of the time, your home gives them everything.
The bad news is they won’t leave on their own. The good news is you can stop them. At EcoStar Pest Control, we deal with rodent problems in Dallas homes every single week. Let me walk you through the signs to watch for and the steps that actually work to get rid of them.
Why Rodents Are a Big Problem in Dallas Homes?
Dallas is pretty much perfect for rodents. The weather stays warm most of the year, there’s always food around, and a lot of houses, especially the older ones have little cracks and gaps that make easy entry points. Once rats or mice enter your home, they don’t just eat your food.
They’ll chew your wires, move into your pantry, and leave droppings on some things that can spread germs. If you don’t take action quickly, a small problem can turn into a big one.
Signs You Might Have Rodents
Rodents are good at hiding, but they don’t cover their tracks very well. Here are a few things you’ll usually notice:
- Droppings: You’ll spot small black pellets in the pantry, under the sink, or along the baseboards.
- Chew marks: They chew through food bags, wires, and even wood.
- Strange noises: You’ll hear scratching or scampering in the attic or walls at night.
- Smudge marks: They leave dark, greasy streaks along walls and near entry points.
- Nests: They build nests out of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation and tuck them into hidden spots.
Proven Tips to Get Rid of Rodents in Your Dallas Home
1. Seal Up Entry Points
Rats and mice squeeze through holes no bigger than a dime. You should walk around your house and check gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Pack those openings with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh. Skip spray foam because they chew right through it.
2. Keep Food Stored Properly
Open food containers are like an open invitation. Store dry goods in sealed plastic or glass containers. Don’t forget pet food, rodents love it just as much as your dog does.
3. Remove Clutter and Nesting Spots
Rodents set up nests in stacked boxes, firewood by the house, and messy garages. Clear out the clutter and move firewood at least twenty feet away from your house.
4. Use Traps the Smart Way
Snap traps are still one of the most effective tools. Place them along walls where rodents travel, not in the middle of a room. Peanut butter is a reliable bait, better than cheese. For bigger infestations, you’ll need multiple traps.
5. Fix Leaks and Eliminate Water Sources
Rodents look for water just like they look for food. A dripping faucet, a leaky pipe, or even a pet’s water bowl left out overnight will keep them hanging around. Fix those leaks and clean up standing water if you want to cut down on rodent activity.
6. Don’t Rely on Poison Alone
Rodent bait isn’t always the best choice. It can put kids, pets, and even wildlife at risk. On top of that, poisoned rodents often die inside walls, and the smell is awful. Traps and sealing up entry points give you better, longer-lasting results.
7. Call in a Professional When It’s More Than You Can Handle
DIY methods can help with a small problem, but if you’re still seeing droppings or hearing noises after a week or two, it’s time to bring in a pro. At EcoStar Pest Control, we use proven rodent control methods that are safe for your family and tough on pests.
How to Prevent Rodents From Coming Back
Once you’ve cleared out rodents, prevention is the key to keeping them from returning:
- Schedule seasonal inspections to catch early signs.
- Keep your yard trimmed and free of overgrown shrubs near the foundation.
- Clean up food and trash quickly.
- Repair worn weatherstripping around doors and windows.
A few small habits go a long way in protecting your home year-round.
FAQs About Rodent Control in Dallas
Q1: What’s the fastest way to get rid of rodents?
The quickest way is to block how they’re getting in and set snap traps where they’re running. If you’re dealing with more than a couple, calling a pro will clear them out faster than anything you can buy at the store.
Q2: Do we see more rats or mice in Dallas?
We deal with both. We see roof rats running around yards and fences all over Dallas. We also catch mice slipping in through gaps near doors, garage corners, and AC lines.
Q3: How long does it take to get rid of them?
We usually handle small problems in three to five days. We set traps, block entry points, and check back to make sure they’re gone. If it’s a big infestation, we keep coming back until we clear it out.
Q4: Do store-bought repellents really work?
They don’t. We’ve tested the ultrasonic stuff and sprays, rodents ignore them. We stop them by sealing up entry spots and placing traps where they move.
Q5: Can rodents make you sick?
Yes, they can. We’ve seen homes with droppings in pantries, AC closets, even cribs. Rodents spread salmonella, hantavirus, and other stuff you don’t want near your family.
Related Pest Control Services in DFW
Rodents aren’t the only pests finding ways into Texas homes. At EcoStar Pest Control, we also specialize in:
