Expert Warns of Rodent Surge in Texas

Texas appears to be primed for a spike in rodent infestations.

Nothing makes me cringe like the thought of rodents living in my home. Having a single rat find its way into my home is enough to make me want to pack up and leave. But an infestation? Yeah, it’s time to scorch the earth at that point.

As we suffer through the current heat wave, the threat of heat-related illness is at the top of everyone’s mind. There’s also the increased threat of wildfires, which leads to burn bans like the one just enacted here in Wichita Falls.

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And, of course, we can also expect water shortages during these times. The result is wildlife flocking to more populated areas in search of water, which could lead to a surge in rodent activity, according to Zachary Smith, of Smith’s Pest Management:

The summer heatwaves we’ve experienced have created the perfect storm for a surge in rodent activity. When the environment becomes too hostile for rodents in the wild, they turn to our homes for food and shelter. Unfortunately, that means an invasion is likely.

Smith warns to be on the lookout for signs of rodent infestation such as droppings, gnaw marks, nests, scurrying sounds, and footprints. Identifying the problem in the early stages can help reduce the risk of a full-blown infestation.

The following steps can be taken to protect your home from rodent infestation: