The statement "If you give a mouse a cookie..." has become a common place quotation in many homes.  The saying generally refers to those who take advantage of kindness, however, in the pest control field we like to look at this statement for exactly what it says.  Rodents, insects, etc. are referred to as pests for a reason, they can cause environmental, sanitation, and health concerns, and will take advantage of every opportunity they are presented with.  

When dealing with infestations of anything, the availability of food, water, and housing, will continue to bring pests back into your home looking for more, not to mention it will encourage them to invite their friends and family to their new home.  As the saying implies, if you give a pest something to eat, they will indeed want something to drink.  If both of these items can be found, the pests will be likely to set up a comfortable home right where they first found the food, in your home!


In order to prevent such problems, be sure to keep all food handling areas clean, and avoid the availability of water resources (fix leaky sinks, etc.). When it comes to most pests, cleanliness is vital, though it is crucial for extermination of any sort.  Make your home as unwelcoming to unwanted pests as possible, and leave the cookies safe in the cookie jar!

Preventing pests from entering your home can be as valuable a treatment as the treatments performed by pest control companies.  By protecting your home/office, you can inhibit a wide range of infestations, and can save yourself time and money.  The following are all things that can put you and your environment at risk for pest infestations:

1.     Unsealed food

2.     Open garbage cans

3.     Gaps in plumbing pipes and/or walls

4.     Leaking roof

5.     Blocked gutters

6.     Openings in windows/door frames

7.     Improperly sealed attics/crawl spaces

8.     Plies of firewood

9.     Standing water

10.  Long grass & overgrown shrubs

11.  Leaf buildup

By avoiding such risk factors, you can greatly reduce your chances of infestation from many common pests. Keep in mind that most pests are attracted to your home by conditions that are created by you, and are easily avoidable.  Many infestations can be avoided by keeping your home clean, and your yard free of clutter and debris, but as with anything, there are always exceptions.

If you are facing an infestation in your home or office, call 1-877-757-7767 for a free consultation.  The call is free, and the information gained is priceless!

Not only are these pests an annoyance, they are also a health hazard.  We would like to take a moment to inform you of some of the diseases that are carried and can be transferred by rats and other rodents.  These diseases can be transferred in numerous ways, which include biting, infecting human food with droppings or urine, infecting skin wounds with urine, indirect transfer by blood-sucking insects, mites, cats, or dogs, and by dying in a water source that is used as drinking water.

Tapeworms – Rats are a host to tapeworms (Hymenolepis) that can be spread to humans through fecal matter.  These parasites hatch internally, grow and reproduce.

Salmonella – Salmonella causes serious gastroenteritis, which in some cases can be fatal.  It is spread to humans through contact with droppings, especially through consumption of contaminated food or water.  Household pets are often infected, and can die as a result.

Bubonic Plague – The plague s usually fatal within a few days of infection.  In human populations, the most common, and primary source of plague infection in humans is rats.  It is present in rodents around the world, including the western USA.

Murine Typhus – This disease is transmitted from rats and mice via a flea bite.  It is usually treatable with prescription antibiotics, but can cause death in those with weak immune systems (the elderly, or those who are already ill).

Rat-bite Fever – This bacterial infection can be treated medically, and is fatal in aproximatly 10% of untreated cases.  It is transmitted through bites, or from urine contamination of preexisting wounds, water, or food.


If you are currently facing an infestation of rodents, please call A3 Superior Pest Control at 1-877-757-7767 for further assistance.  Remember when cleaning areas that have rodent presence to clean the area sufficiently with a watered down bleach solution.

1.    Properly seal all doors/windows that lead to the exterior of the home.
  2.    Keep these doors closed as often as possible.
  3.    Keep clean.  Regular sweeping and vacuuming will help to remove any food particles that could attract rodents.
  4.    Store all pet food in closed plastic containers.
  5.    Seal all food in the pantry, or place items in closed plastic containers.  This should include such items as open cereal boxes, sugar, flour, etc.
  6.    Take out the garbage.  Keep trash areas clean, and remove garbage often.
  7.    Properly seal the interior and exterior of your home.  The smallest holes around pipes and other items will allow rodents to enter the home.
  8.    Seal or cover any items that travel from the inside of your home out.  Consider putting screen or mesh on items such as laundry vents.
  9.    Use traps.  Place sticky traps or snap traps in areas that are prone to being access points to the interior
  10.  Check traps often.  Regularly clearing and replacing traps will ensure the maximum catch rate available from the products that you are using.

 If you have a rodent infestation that you cannot handle on your own, call a professional.  A company such as A3 Superior Pest Control will be able to assist with extermination via the use of products not available to the general public, as well as an increased knowledge of rodents.