Rodent Control Services for Homes and Businesses in New Jersey

At Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control, we understand how distressing it can be to find rodents invading your home or business. As a family-owned and operated pest and rodent control company based in Brick, NJ, we’ve been serving communities throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, and Mercer County since 1991.

Early detection and management are needed to effectively control rodents, and our expert team is here to help you reclaim your space and protect it from the threats posed by rodents.

Understanding Rodent Infestations

Rodent infestations can be a significant problem for both homeowners and businesses, leading to property damage and health risks. Rodents, such as rats and mice, are constantly on the lookout for food and shelter, making any building a potential target if they find a way in. Recognizing the signs of a rodent infestation and knowing how to prevent them is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

Rodent infestations can occur in any type of building, from homes to commercial properties, and are often the result of poor sanitation, clutter, and structural gaps. These pests can carry diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus, posing serious health risks. Additionally, rodents can cause significant property damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and other materials.

Preventing rodent infestations requires a combination of good housekeeping, sealing entry points, and using effective rodent control measures such as traps and repellents. Being vigilant about the signs of a rodent infestation, including droppings, gnaw marks, and unusual noises, can help you take swift action to address the problem.

Types of Rodents Found in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to several types of rodents that can become unwelcome guests in residential and commercial properties. The most common include:

House Mice: Small, agile, and excellent climbers, house mice are known for their ability to squeeze through even the tiniest openings.
Norway Rats: Larger than mice, these rodents are burrowers and often nest in basements, crawl spaces, and exterior debris piles.

Roof Rats: Preferring higher spaces, roof rats can be found in attics and upper levels of buildings.
Brown Mice: Brown mice are identifiable by their brown fur and slightly larger size compared to house mice. They exhibit nocturnal behavior and are known for their rapid breeding cycle, which can lead to significant infestations if not managed promptly. Understanding their life cycle and habits is crucial for effective rodent control.

Understanding these characteristics can help you identify the type of rodent infestation you are dealing with, which is essential for effective control.

Signs of Rodent Infestations

There are several telltale signs that can indicate a rodent infestation:

Droppings: Rodent droppings are often found in areas where rodents are present. The size and shape of the droppings can help identify the type of rodent.
Gnaw Marks: Rodents can cause significant damage by gnawing through wires, insulation, and other materials. Look for gnaw marks on food packaging, walls, and furniture.
Unusual Noises: Rodents are nocturnal and can make noise at night, such as scratching, gnawing, and scurrying sounds.
Burrows: Rodents can create burrows in walls, attics, and other areas. These burrows can be used to identify the type of rodent.

Being aware of these signs and taking action quickly if a rodent infestation is suspected can help prevent further damage and health risks.

What Attracts Rodents?

Rodents are drawn to environments that provide easy access to food, water, and shelter.

Certain areas in NJ provide an ideal natural habitat for rodents, making them more likely to thrive and pose potential dangers to residents during colder months when they seek shelter in homes.

Common conditions that attract them include:

Cluttered Spaces: Piles of boxes, wood, or debris provide excellent hiding and nesting areas.
Accessible Food: Unsealed pantry items, pet food, and overflowing trash cans are irresistible to rodents.
Moisture: Leaky pipes, standing water, and damp basements create the perfect habitat.

Urban and suburban development is leading to a reduction in natural habitats for rodents, forcing them to seek shelter in human dwellings like attics and chimneys. This underscores the impact of habitat loss on rodent behavior and the subsequent need for pest control services.

When to Call a Professional for Rodent Control

While minor rodent issues can sometimes be managed with traps and repellents, a professional should be contacted when:

You notice repeated or widespread infestations. It is important to distinguish between mouse and rat infestations for effective control, as different products are tailored to their specific sizes.
Droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting materials are found regularly.
Structural damage or contamination becomes evident.
DIY methods fail to resolve the issue. Methods used for rat control include trapping, exclusion methods, and ongoing maintenance programs to manage and prevent future infestations.

Rodents can reproduce rapidly, with mice giving birth to 6-12 offspring every three weeks. This means small issues can escalate quickly without intervention. According to the CDC, rodents are known to spread over 35 diseases, making timely and effective control essential.

Rodent-Borne Diseases

Rodents can carry a variety of diseases, posing serious health risks to humans:

Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that can be spread through contact with rodent urine or feces.
Hantavirus: A viral disease that can be spread through contact with rodent droppings or urine.
Rat-Bite Fever: A bacterial disease that can be spread through bites from infected rodents.

These diseases can be serious and even life-threatening. It is crucial to take steps to prevent rodent infestations and to handle rodents safely if an infestation is suspected. By maintaining good sanitation, sealing entry points, and using effective rodent control measures, you can protect your property and health from the dangers posed by rodents.

Rodent Control Tips to Prevent Infestations for NJ Homes and Businesses

We encourage our clients to take proactive measures to reduce the likelihood of rodent infestations:

Seal Entry Points: Use steel wool, caulk, or other materials to block small gaps and cracks in walls, doors, and foundations.
Maintain Cleanliness: Keep kitchens, dining areas, and storage spaces free of crumbs and spills.
Properly Store Food: Use airtight containers for food and regularly dispose of trash.
Fix Leaks: Address any plumbing issues that contribute to excess moisture.
Declutter: Remove unnecessary debris and maintain organized storage areas.
Select Appropriate Rodent Traps: Choose the right rodent traps for managing different types of rodent infestations, such as using larger traps for rats and smaller ones for mice. Consider various trap types, including live traps and glue traps, and consult professional pest control services for the best solutions.

For more detailed prevention tips, visit our winter rodent control guide.

Why Choose Callahan’s For Rodent Control?

At Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control, we offer tailored rodent control services to fit the unique needs of your property. From thorough inspections to detect signs of rodent activity, such as gnaw marks and droppings, to safe and effective extermination, our certified team is committed to delivering results you can count on. We also provide advice on long-term prevention strategies to keep your property rodent-free.

If you’re dealing with rodents in Ocean, Monmouth, or Mercer County, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Contact Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control today and let us help you reclaim your space.