When Rodents are a pain, call crane.

Extermination & Control
Crane Pest Solutions’ Approach

Crane uses a multi-step process including trapping, baiting, and exclusion techniques to eliminate and prevent rodents. They also provide advice on sealing entry points and securing food sources to prevent future infestations. Regular inspections and maintenance of exclusion measures are recommended, especially as seasons change. Ongoing monitoring for droppings or new gnaw marks is also key to early detection.

Bug Identification

  • Common Name: Rodents (commonly includes mice and rats)

  • Scientific Names:

    • House Mouse: Mus musculus

    • Norway Rat: Rattus norvegicus

    • Roof Rat: Rattus rattus

Seasonal Behavior

  • Most Active: Fall and winter, but can be year-round indoors.

  • Behavior: Rodents are more active in fall and winter when they seek shelter indoors to escape the cold. They forage for food and nest in warm, hidden areas of homes, such as attics, basements, or inside walls. Indoors, they remain active year-round.

Minnesota-Specific Climate Impact

  • Impact of Weather: Minnesota’s cold winters drive rodents indoors to find warmth and food. Once inside, they nest and reproduce, causing problems for homeowners. In warmer months, rodents may still enter homes but are less likely to depend on indoor food sources.

Habitat & Entry Points

  • Habitat: Rodents nest in dark, hidden areas such as basements, attics, walls, and garages. Outdoors, they build nests in woodpiles, sheds, or under debris.

  • Entry Points: Mice and rats can squeeze through very small gaps (as small as a dime for mice and a quarter for rats). Common entry points include cracks in foundations, gaps under doors, vents, and utility lines.

Damage & Risks

  • Damage: Rodents can cause significant structural damage by gnawing on wood, insulation, wires (posing fire risks), and even plastic. They also contaminate food and surfaces with droppings, urine, and saliva, which can spread diseases like hantavirus or salmonella.

  • Signs of Infestation: Droppings, gnaw marks, nests made from shredded materials, squeaking or scurrying noises in walls or ceilings, and visible tracks or smudges along walls.

Prevention Tips

  • Preventive Measures: Seal all cracks, gaps, and entry points around the home, especially in foundations, walls, and doors. Store food in airtight containers, keep garbage sealed, and remove clutter from around the home that might provide hiding spots.

FACT

Mice can reproduce quickly, with females having up to 10 litters a year, so even a small infestation can become overwhelming if not addressed quickly.

myth

Cats can solve a rodent problem—while they may catch some mice, they aren’t a reliable method for complete rodent control.

Contact Us

Crane Pest Solutions is a small locally owned pest control company serving Commercial and Residential properties in SE MN. Where we want to help give you peace of mind through education and services. We have over a decade of experience serving the SE MN area and the issues specific to our area.