All Forum Posts by: Lei L.

I pay way too much quarterly to have Bulwark come out and keep traps. It's pretty expensive but it's worth it for me. Especially here in Tacoma where we have rats. 

Ah, understood. In that case, it probably does come down to it simply being the time of year when rodents and other pests start to head indoors (or at least they attempt to, as cooler weather prevails). Since this is the case, I would note that James has some good advice above. Those outdoor entry points need to be found and sealed (sometimes you'd be amazed by how they're able to fit between under-door spaces too; it could be worth looking into an under door seal and having one installed).

Mice start looking for indoor, warm homes with food this time of year.  You have 2 issues: exterior entry points and a messy tenant.  The entry points are on you to solve to keep the mice out.  Look for droppings in the basement or ground level.  Also try to seal travel points from the basement up to the main level.  Mice could be entering from neighboring homes too if your property is in a row versus standalone.

The mice are staying because they are finding food.  Your tenant needs to not leave any food out on tables, counters, etc and clean up the dirty dishes.  All trash must go in covered cans inside and outside.  Mice won't stay if there is nothing to eat.  Your tenant may say they clean everything up.  My experience is I hear that, go to the property and point out all sorts of food left out, dirty dishes and uncovered trash cans or trash not in cans.  In brief, tenants sometimes lie about things that would embarrass them (surprise!).

In parallel, the tenant needs to set traps, bait stations, sticky traps, etc to get rid of the current mice, assuming there isn't an immediate clean-up.  Be careful with bait and children.  A service can help with this if the tenant can't/won't do it.

The professional services I've engaged can seal your property, but the sealing that I saw is pretty basic.  Anyone can do it.  The only advantage I've seen with the pro services is they have some sealing products and treatments not available to the retail customer.  One guy I talked with recommended getting the Home Depot sealing product and doing it myself instead of calling them the next time (rogue employee!).  I spent $700 to seal a 1200 sqft row home basement and now can do it myself for much less.

I've used Black Diamond pest control for issue in the past and have been overwhelmingly satisfied with their results. Mostly for wood destroying insects (because they are SO abundant in Indy) but used them for mice as well.

Hi Lei, sorry to hear that your tenants are dealing with this situation. A little surprised by a rodent situation given that the place was newly renovated (that said, complete renovations can sometimes drive pests out of their normal hiding spots). Having said that I'm inclined to concur with what others have mentioned above; is there something the tenant is doing? (ex. leaving food out, leaving windows or doors and screen windows/screen doors open too, etc). Where are they noticing the rodent behavior (basement, attic, general central living space, etc)? This can help you identify where they might be coming in so a fix can be implemented). @Lei L.

If it persists and the tenant is unsuccessful call a pest person. They can be very effective.