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Winter in Modesto CA can be harsh, and while we can bundle up to keep warm, the same can’t be said for pests like rats and mice. They look for warm places to nest and feed, and with that in mind, your car can become the perfect spot. Insect IQ has been handling rodent infestations for 19 years, and in that time, we’ve learned that rats and mice will take any opportunity to get into your property. Because of that, it’s important to know the warning signs of rats in your car, the risks they pose, and what we can do to help.
Signs of Rodents in the Car
Be they rats or mice, rodents are known for three main habits: biting, nesting and defecating. Anywhere you find these three symptoms, you’re likely to find rats and mice as well. Some of the damages are things you’ll be easy to see, like droppings (that may look like coffee beans or grains of rice, depending on the rodent), or tears in the upholstery to get material for nests. These nests will usually be in warmer spots around your car, such as behind heat ducts or under the center console.
It’s vital to seek treatment as soon as you notice any of these signs. With the amount of time we spend in our cars with every passing year, it’s all the more important to ensure the vehicles we drive are operating safely.
Risks of Rodents
It isn’t fun to notice the visual signs of rodent damage in your car. What’s especially nefarious, however, are the forms of damage that you aren’t able to see. If a rat is able to chew at the plastic panels on your dashboard, it’s not too far of a stretch for them to chew one of the vital wires that your car needs to operate properly. If that wasn’t enough, rat and mouse droppings carry diseases like salmonellosis and hantavirus. So, if a rodent makes a nest behind your heat vents, you run the risk of circulating particles of pathogens throughout your vehicle.
You don’t want to put your passengers at risk any more than you want to put yourself at risk. That’s why it’s so important to seek treatment while the problem is still in a localized area.
Insect IQ for Rat and Mouse Control
If you suspect rodents in your car, don’t hesitate to act. If you wait too long, there’s a very real possibility of the rats or mice getting into your property. But if you make an effort to clear your car of rodents, only to find more moving in soon after, they may already have a nest in your home. Luckily, Insect IQ can safely remove existing rodent nests, as well as take exclusionary efforts to prevent future infestations. You can trust the team that has been caring for households in Modesto CA since 2003 and know that whatever work we do is done with your comfort and safety in mind. To learn more, contact us today!