Don’t Let Fall Invite Unwanted Houseguests

As temperatures drop across Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles homeowners turn toward football, festivals and family gatherings, which can include some uninvited guests—rodents. 

Mice and rats look for warmth, food and shelter when outdoor conditions change. A gap the size of a dime is large enough for a mouse to squeeze through. Once established indoors, they can gnaw on wiring, damage insulation and contaminate pantries with urine and feces which carry pathogens that can have adverse effects on health. Fall rodent prevention is not optional upkeep. It is home protection.  

J&J Exterminating has been servicing homes in Louisiana since 1959. They know pests and that the most effective rodent work happens before an infestation takes hold.  

Their approach combines inspection, minor exclusion and targeted treatment. Technicians look for entry points around foundations, eaves, garage doors and utility line penetrations. They seal what they can and let the customer know when a contractor is required for larger construction work. They tailor rodent solutions to each individual client’s specific needs to help create a rodent-free environment.  

What homeowners can do now:  

•  Store pet food and bird seed in sealed containers.  

•  Keep outdoor trash cans tightly closed and pulled away from the house.  

• Trim shrubs and vines from the exterior and the foundation.  

• Repair torn screens, replace damaged weather stripping and close gaps around pipes.  

• Don’t leave fallen fruit, spilled bird seed or standing water near the foundation or entry ways.  

• For pets that live outdoors, only put enough food in their bowl that they can eat at one time.  

An investment in exclusion now can help prevent infestations later. Rodents have the potential to  reproduce quickly. A few mice in October can become a serious problem by the holidays.   

If you hear scratching in the walls, find droppings in the pantry or simply want a fall inspection before the first cold snap, don’t delay. 

For an inspection, call your neighborhood team at J&J at 337-607-1188.