For homeowners, the sight of an occasional spider or sugar ant is rarely a cause for alarm. On the other hand, those who discover evidence of termite and rodent infestations in their homes are likely to have a much more serious reaction, and for good reason. 

Rodents are destructive creatures capable of damaging the structure of the home, as well as being carriers of many serious diseases that affect humans. While rodents usually attempt to stay hidden, they can inflict painful bites if confronted. Although termites pose little risk to human health, an infestation can quickly result in serious damage to structures that will be very costly to repair. 

Homeowners who have noticed signs of rodent or termite activity can use the following tips to help discourage these pests. 

Access

Both rodents and termites are more likely to infiltrate homes that offer them easy access. For rodents, any small opening around vents, electrical wires, and plumbing pipes, as well as openings in crawl spaces or attics, can be used to enter and exit at will.

Once inside, rodents will seek out spaces where they are unlikely to be disturbed and begin building nests and reproducing. Pest-proofing your home against rodents should always start with sealing all possible entry points and removing clutter. 

Termites also seek access to homes for the purpose of creating a nest and building their population. Unlike rodents, termites rarely invade the interior living spaces of the home. Instead, they seek out spaces that remain dark and moist, such as under crawl spaces. 

To gain initial access, termites often approach homes where wood or other fibrous materials are like bark and mulch are located near the foundation of the home or where trees and bushes are near the perimeter. Termites can also be brought into the home via infested wood lumber or furniture. 

Sustenance

Both rodents and termites must have sustenance to survive and thrive. For rodents, access to kitchen crumbs, pet food, and garbage can provide plenty of nourishment. Termites have little interest in pet or human food but are voracious consumers of wood fibers found in lumber, flooring, and even cardboard. 

Homeowners interested in pest-proofing their homes can start by improving cleaning routines, removing pet food dishes when not in use, and storing pet and human food in glass or metal containers. Discouraging termite activity starts with improving ventilation to reduce humidity in crawl spaces and other termite activity zones. 

Both rodents and termites pose serious threats to families. Homeowners who want to rid their home of existing pests and reduce the risks of re-infestation should discuss their situation with a rodent and termite treatment service in their area. 

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