Month: June 2020

Complement Your Inspection Business With Sewer Inspection

Questions to Consider When Choosing a Pipe Inspection System

Pipe Inspection and location systems represent a significant investment for most small businesses. In return, they offer unique diagnostic and marketing potential that can either save or earn a tremendous amount of money for your company.  Choosing the right system for your needs is a task that should be taken with serious attention to detail in order to avoid a costly mistake

What size pipes/drains/sewers are you likely to be inspecting?

The great divide in pipe inspection systems is between push rod and tractor pull style systems. Which style do you need? Tractor pull systems are generally for large, municipal style drain pipes (10 inch and larger) and pull themselves down the line. They tend to be controlled with a joystick and computer system by an operator sitting in a specially made truck or van. Prices begin in the high 30 thousands and go up from there. They are outfitted with additional lighting and swivel heads to look left, right, up and down. They are usually purchased by municipalities and larger companies.

Micro-systems, designed for 1 1/2 to 3-inch pipes. Due to the flexibility required for this size pipe, these push rods are very thin and weak. (Keep in mind that there is an inverse relationship between strength and flexibility.) If used in larger pipes, the probability of damage to the structure of the push rod is very high. They seldom have a built-in locator beacon, and may or may not have a built-in recording device.

Mini-systems, designed for 2 to 4-inch pipes. These systems are used for indoor work in the small and medium-sized pipes that connect bathrooms, sinks and toilets within a building. The push rod used in these units is stronger and less flexible than a micro unit, but the emphasis is still on flexibility, not strength. If used in larger pipes, these systems are at greater risk of kinking and damage. They usually have built-in locator beacons and often have the option of a built-in recording system.

Main line systems, designed for 3 to 12-inch lines. These systems are designed for use in outdoor pipes. While flexible enough to negotiate a house trap, the emphasis is on strength rather than flexibility. These systems generally have the same features as Mini-Systems.

 

Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Pipeline Inspection Services

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates an average of 24,500 sewer overflows occur every year in the United States. Choosing the right pipeline inspection services may help prevent overflows in your city. It can also save you money by helping you keep a small problem from becoming a large one

Pipeline Size

The size of your pipelines plays an important role in finding the right inspection service. Sizes can vary from wide or narrow depending on your area’s system.

Certifications

When it comes to hiring pipeline inspection services, certifications matters. Certification is valid proof that a company went through a process to meet specific standards.

Types of Services

Choosing an inspection service that can perform several types of services will help you save time searching for different companies to cover various types of inspections.

Manhole Video inspection

The lifespan of manhole systems will depend on how often you inspect them and how well you maintain them. Environmental factors such as root trees, storms, and even earthquakes can damage the infrastructure.

 

Why Every Home Buyer Should Get a Sewer Inspection

Inspections are par for the course when buying a home, but there’s one important system that many potential buyers overlook: the sewer line

A typical home inspection doesn’t examine the sewer because it is buried underground. The only surefire way to have the system inspected is to hire someone to perform a sewer camera inspection. The cost of this inspection is worth it.

Imagine buying a home and finding out weeks later that there are problems with the sewer system. You’re dealing with messy backups in your home, and now you have to repair the problem.

Sewer repair is not cheap. On average, repairs can cost $5,000. If the problem is in the street, repairs can easily creep up to $20,000 or more.

Don’t assume that a newer home won’t have sewer issues. In one horror story, buyers purchased a home built in 2006. The builder decided it would be a good idea to reuse the clay sewer line from the early 1900s to save on costs. An inspection found that the line had several breaks that needed repair, despite the home being almost new.

 

Sewer Camera Inspection: What It Can and Can’t Find

A sewer camera is a valuable tool to help determine if there’s a problem with your home’s sewer system. Maybe you noticed a nasty sewer gas odor. Or maybe your water isn’t draining as fast as it use to. Or worse, you’ve got an overflowing toilet

What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

First, let’s cover what a sewer camera inspection is. Typically sewer lines are installed under the foundation of your house. There’s the concrete slab which is about 4 or 5 five inches thick and then about 2 feet or so of dirt above the pipe.

What a Sewer Camera Inspection Can’t Do

Despite what many in the plumbing industry think, there are limitations to what a sewer camera sees inside your sewer lines. But there is one thing a sewer camera absolutely cannot see.

Locate Leaks

A sewer camera alone cannot determine if you have a leak or to locate a leak or leaks in your sewer lines. In fact, this is so important, it bears repeating

Reasons Why a Sewer Camera Can’t Locate a Leak

A leak is water escaping the pipe through a hole, break, or crack. Since the camera is inside the pipe, it cannot see the outside of the pipe. Meaning, it can’t see if something is leaking OUT of the pipe. It can only show what is going on INSIDE the pipe.

The plumber is looking at a monitor displaying what the camera “sees.” So the plumber has to interpret, or guess, what he’s seeing. He might think he see something that looks like a hole, break, or crack in the pipe. But keep in mind, this is your sewer system we’re talking about. This is where your waste flushes and runs through. Trust us when we say it does not look good. And all that gunk and waste makes it hard to tell if something is a leak based solely on what can be seen on the monitor.

Sewer pipes are usually one of two types: cast iron or PVC, both thick-walled pipes. So something very possibly might look like a hole or a crack or a break. But because the walls of the pipe are so thick, it’s possible what the plumber is seeing does not go all the way through the pipe so no water is leaking out at all. The result: no leak.

Particularly with cast iron, but this could also be true for PVC, there are years of buildup on the walls of the pipe. Calcium, soap scum, grease, debris… you name it, builds up on the walls of your sewer pipes. So any cracks or holes the plumber sees could very well be in the buildup and not the actual pipe.

 

Choosing the Best Inspection Camera for Your Business

Inspection cameras are one of the most valuable tools for any drain cleaner. Whether you’re checking a line to diagnose a problem before beginning a job or you need to locate a blockage to determine how to clear the line, the inspection camera is a must-have.

“The typical use for your everyday plumber for an inspection camera is to locate a blockage or a break in the line,” says Justin King, vice president at Amazing Machinery Inc. “They want to see the condition of the pipe, understanding if any service or repairs are needed to that line.”

Features and size

Cameras today offer a wide range of features and benefits to meet the demands of all types and sizes of pipelines. While some units may fit the needs of a large municipality with a regular inspection schedule and hundreds or thousands of miles of pipeline to maintain, it may not be suitable for a small drain cleaning company.

One such option is the easy-to-use Pan n’ Tilt push camera from Ratech Electronics. It is designed for pipes and drains as small as 3 inches in diameter and offers black-and-white, color, self-leveling, micro and pan n’ tilt camera options.

More advanced inspection camera systems include network communications options such as Wi-Fi to transmit to a nearby computer.  King notes the Wi-Fi feature is a great option for municipal applications, but a private contractor may not need it. “They’ll want the basic system, a get-your-job-done kind of camera, that’s where you’re going to find more of your affordable types of cameras that private companies can afford to invest in.”

Long Distance Moving Is Easy If You Use The Services Of Long Distance Moving Companies

How to Choose the Best Long-Distance Movers

As if moving long distances wasn’t enough of a hassle (to say nothing of the stress factor) – finding a trustworthy company to ship your valuable goods over many miles, can seem like a gargantuan task. There are plenty of horror stories circulating about cross-country moves gone bad. They typically involve dishonest outfits who either aren’t moving companies at all, but merely an Internet front to steal your money and/or goods, or moving companies who hold your possessions hostage until you pay more than agreed. Either way, that’s not a path you want to go down. To help you stay as far away as possible from any shady transport companies, here are some suggestions for choosing the best long-distance movers.

Confirm They’re Licensed and Insured

You wouldn’t dream of taking your car out on a long distance trip without having the proper insurance, would you? Imagine the horror if you got into an accident (even just a fender-bender), 1,000 miles from home. Now imagine that same scenario, except it’s a large moving truck with all of your belongings inside. They might be damaged at best – and at worst, destroyed. You would want to be compensated if this type of scenario occurred

USDOT Number

Hiring a properly insured moving company is important regardless, but it’s especially imperative if you’re having your goods hauled over long distances – where anything can happen along the way. The best way to discover the insurance status of a prospective moving company is by tracking their USDOT number. They receive this from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a subset of the United States Department of Transportation.

Look around each prospective moving company’s website – do they clearly and openly have their USDOT number displayed for consumers? Some companies might require you to call and request this information. If the website makes no mention of it, or you call and can’t seem to get a straight answer – this is your first red flag that this company is not entirely legitimate.

The FMCSA Website

You should be able to easily obtain the USDOT number and use it on the FMCSA website, to look up pertinent information about the moving company in question. This will include if they have any complaints filed against them or if they’ve incurred any safety violations while operating. The best place to check is the FMCSA’s Search Movers and Complaint History page. This site enables you to search interstate movers not only by USDOT but also by company name (even partial name) or MC number. This MC number is attributed to them when they register with the FMCSA and receive “authority to operate” as licensed movers.

 

How to Choose a Long Distance Mover

When moving across the country, the first thing you must know is that hiring a moving truck and driving that big moving vehicle across multiple state lines is not a good idea. Actually, it often turns out to be a bad idea because of the high DIY moving costs and increased risks when moving long distance without professional assistance.

As you can imagine, there’s a huge difference between moving 200 miles and moving 2,000 miles until you reach the new home. Be mindful that the move distance will not only determine the final moving price to a great extent, but it will also influence the way you assess the relocation risks before you move out.

Why hire a long distance mover?

Before you start preparing for your house move, it’s important that you take the time to think about how exactly you are going to handle the house moving project. To make an informed decision, you’ll need to take a closer look at several key points, the major one being the DISTANCE between Point A (the current home you’re moving out of) and Point B (the destination home you’re about to move into soon).

Self-move expenses. The cost of renting a moving vehicle of the right size and purchasing the required insurance is the first step. Then add the cost of fuel, road tolls, parking fees, meals and lodgings along the trip as well. Factor in the cost of all the packing supplies and the price of renting or purchasing the necessary moving equipment (a moving dolly). Finally, set up a contingency fund because you never know what may happen on the road to your new home.

Risks and dangers. Driving a big rental moving truck across multiple state lines is a risky business, especially if you’ve never done it before. Each driven mile increases the risk of something bad happening on the road. Sustaining personal injuries or inflicting property damage are two other highly undesirable scenarios that will further complicate the risk assessment task when moving without using the services of a long distance mover.

 

How to Choose the Best Long-Distance Moving Company

Deciding which long-distance mover or company is best for you can be a difficult task. Knowing what to look for in a long-distance moving company can bring some relief to your moving situation. Here is a list of our top 5 things to consider when choosing your long-distance moving company.

Never be scared to ask a company for their license and proof of insurance. It is the law that a company who offers long distance moving services be licensed and insured, if they are operating without a license it means they are going against strict regulations. A company who operates without insurance or proper coverage is putting your belongings at risk in the event of a theft or accident where your items could be stolen or damaged. You can check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website for licensing. However, a company that won’t provide you with this information and these documents without you having to do your own research should be avoided.

Compare Costs and Quotes

Companies compete by offering different moving services at different prices. Though cost is a deciding factor in many cases, you should do more than compare costs. You will want detailed quotes and estimates in writing. Make sure that you go over the estimate or quote to see what is included that you will be charged for. Don’t get stuck with a company that will end up charging you a bunch of hidden fees. A company that is not transparent with their costs is one that is not reliable.

Do their Options Include Moving Pods?

Moving pods or moving containers are considered a cheap and effective alternative to traditional moving companies. The weather-resistant containers are able to withstand any weather condition and will keep all of your items safe through your long-distance move. If you are home hunting, they also provide an easy way to store your belongings during this period when you don’t have a permanent residence. Many companies now include an option similar to this due to the moving containers growing popularity. Ask your moving company if they have this option available.

Are the Movers Experienced?

When it comes to interstate or long distance moving, experience matters. There are many details that long distance movers have to consider that are not involved in or part of local moves. Something like crossing state borders will require more paperwork and additional licensing. Long distance movers take on a bigger risk by carrying your belongings for longer amounts of time. For reasons like these, you want to pick the moving company that you can trust with your time, money and belongings.

 

Things To Consider Before Choosing a Moving Company

We all know how moving makes us feel; most of us find it extremely stressful, time-consuming and expensive. Moving companies are supposed to make the process smoother, easier and less stressful, but when we make the wrong choices things can go South very fast. It can be quite a nightmare when it’s done wrong;  especially if we make bad decisions in hopes of saving money, cutting corners to

save time or get the wrong advice trust. Here are five things to consider when choosing a moving company for your next relocation.

Thoroughly research moving companies

Quite often we hear that we should seek recommendations from trusted friends or family members when looking for a moving company. Unfortunately, this decision may be just as bad as closing your eyes and picking a number out of the local phone book. This is because we tend to trust rather than verify when it comes to these kinds of recommendations. If you do follow through on a recommendation do all the due diligence in terms of research anyway.

Get written estimates on all bids

Let’s say you’ve contacted four moving companies in the area and each one has promised to send you a ballpark figure by phone or email. Be sure that all final bids come with a full estimate in writing with all the parameters filled in based on your conversation. In order to make an accurate quote, a moving company must have all the appropriate details of your move.

Work with a licensed moving company

There’s nothing wrong with having your cousin and brother-in-law bring their truck around to help you move across the street or down the road. Of course, you are responsible for the health and well-being of your family and friends who help you through the move. When it comes to hiring a moving company, be sure that they are licensed and bonded as well as fully insured.

Interstate moving companies should have the proper credentials

Long-distance moving projects should bury even greater scrutiny when it comes to choosing the right company for the job. Interstate moving companies should be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can access their license information online. Ask the salesperson for complete documentation of the company’s credentials.

 

How to Choose the Cheapest long Distance Moving Company?

It is quite a question these days as to how we can choose the best and the cheapest long distance moving company. Trust is something that is so lacking in our society. Hence finding a trustworthy moving company is very vital. The longer the distance is the harder to find a good mover.

What qualifies as a long distance move is any move that crosses state lines. Either interstate or a state to states move. As interstate moving connects with numerous states, it is bound to federal regulation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is a division of the United States Department of Transportation that controls interstate moving companies which are very good news for you. Hence before you hire a mover, kindly ensure that you use basics provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enabling you to obtain a registered and a credible mover with experience and good credentials.

Working out the distance

Finding the perfect moving company is not an easy task. However, firstly work out the distance of your move. Then it is a question as to whether you need to move by road, by sea or air. While the move by sea and air are expensive, the best method will definitely be by road. But the choice is yours!

Working out a budget

You are obviously going to a new location with a bunch of unknown people and plus, you might worry about the expenses that will incur with regards to the move. Start working out a budget to suit your purse. But remember if you are moving because of work, then there is an allowance that your employer has to pay you towards the moving. Also, bear in mind that it is tax deductible if you are moving more than 50 miles for at least 40 weeks (basically 10-12 months). Did you know that the Internal Revenue Service gives a deduction for any moving expense which includes travel and lodging in addition to the expenses paid by the employer?

Working out the details

Since you have now worked out a budget and you are well aware of the facilities you can have in getting your moving costs reimbursed, now it’s time to work out the details.

What To Do During Mold Remediation Procedures

How to choose the right mold remediation company

Check your phone book or the web for a local mold remediation company.

Refer to the 3 critical questions to ask every mold company before they enter your home.

Call a company on the list and ask them each of the 3 critical questions.

I hope this guide has helped you regain control of your home. If you use us for your mold project, we’d be thrilled, but more importantly I hope this guide will lead you to a clean and healthy home

 

How To Choose A Mold Remediation Company

Discovering a thriving mold colony in your home presents a host of complex, potentially expensive problems – none of which should be addressed by any less than certified professionals. You may wonder how your property became infested in the first place and just how extensively the spores may have spread and multiplied beyond the first spot of growth you see. Likewise, it’s understandable to fret the potential health risks that accompany a mold invasion and just how costly remediation can become when compared to the estimated dollar amount of damage mold can do to your property.

The best mold remediation companies in any market will address your infestation in as thorough and timely a manner as possible while clearly answering any questions you may have and minimizing costs to the greatest degree possible. As with the process of comparison-shopping contractors for any professional service, you owe it to yourself to ask a battery of probing questions and gather several estimates before making a choice.

How experienced are the employees who will be working in my home?

First off, rule out any and every contractor with no proof of up-to-date insurance. Yes, they may have the edge in price, but the risks in the event of a catastrophe are not remotely worth it.

How familiar are your employees with the inherent environmental hazards of mold?

A quality mold remediator doesn’t have to be a medical expert or experienced health practitioner to grasp indoor water damage’s potential toxic risks. Your contractor should concisely explain the difference between symptoms of a minor mold allergy and a serious toxic reaction and what makes mycotoxins potentially lethal, especially to individuals with compromised immune systems.

What safety precautions do you take before, during and after mold remediation

To avoid cross-contamination, the contractor should lay down plastic sheeting and additional protection at all containment site entrances. Only HEPA-filtered negative air machines (NAMs) should be used during mold remediation, all of them exhausted outside the home. Scratch off any contractor who attempts to negate or minimize the importance of containment measures to avoiding the creation of additional hazards during the project.

 

MOLD REMEDIATION COMPANIES

Mold remediation companies provide a number of services necessary to deal with the problematic growth of mold in the home – mold inspection, mold removal, repair of household damage due to mold. Some mold removal companies are certified in mold remediation, though certification is not required of mold remediation contractors so that’s something you want to inquire about when selecting a company to take care of your mold problem.

Why Hire Someone?

Some people decide to just handle their mold problems on their own, and in some cases that might work out fine. However, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends not attempting to clean up a mold problem on your own if the mold covers more than ten square feet. The thing is, even though you may only notice a few square feet of bathroom tile affected by mold, mold spores spread easily through the air and mold can hide in many places, including your heating vents and air ducts. You probably won’t see it there yourself, but certified mold remediation contractors know how to track it down and take care of it.

Choosing Among All the Different Mold Remediation Companies

Unless you live in a very small town, you probably have several mold remediation companies from which to choose. Don’t just settle for the one with the biggest ad in your local yellow pages. You can call your local Department of Health for suggestions, or check with the Better Business Bureau. The important thing is to make sure you choose a company that will do the job right.

What to Expect

Most mold remediation companies offer a free inspection and assessment, during which they will examine your home for mold, tell you about the extent of your mold problem, advise you about the best way to resolve your mold problem and let you know what they will charge to handle the problem for you. Request that a certified mold remediation specialist perform the inspection. You can consult with more than one company if you like before deciding which one to hire.

When You Need to Consult a Professional

We recommend all homeowners consult a professional before beginning the process of mold remediation, and since most mold remediation professionals offer free consultations, that’s easy enough to do. In some instances, though, it’s particularly important to speak with a professional before you proceed. You may need to hire a professional, but even if you hope to do the work yourself,

 

How to Find a Trusted Mold Remediation Professional

When you discover mold is growing in your residential or commercial property, immediate action is important. The presence of mold can not only ruin the materials it is growing on, but mold can also cause individuals exposed to it to suffer from health problems, such as allergic reactions and other symptoms.

Mold growth is triggered when mold spores, which are naturally present, encounter a food source and a moisture source. This is also why mold growth is so common in the aftermath of water damage. If the water source that triggered the mold growth is not properly addressed, then the mold will continue to grow, and the damage will get worse

In cases where there is minimal mold growth, home remedies might be sufficient. Some people may choose to clean mold up themselves, too, as a way to save money. But home remedies should not be relied on, especially if you just want to save money.

Look into the Services’ Specifics

When you come across a mold removal company you might be interested in hiring, take a further look at what their services entail. The company should provide complete services that include initial inspection, containment, mold cleaning and removal, and final inspection.

The inspections are important, because the initial one allows the technicians to create a proper mold removal plan, and the final one ensures the mold has been completely removed. Meanwhile, the testing should be conducted by an outside source to ensure impartiality, and the cleaning should be conducted using safe, nontoxic cleaning products. Mold on its own can already be toxic, so you do not want the cleaning work to introduce further toxins into your environment.

 

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR CHOOSING A MOLD REMEDIATION CONTRACTOR

Roof leaks or high indoor humidity leads to excessive moisture which can cause a lot of damage to your properties. Undetected water damage in a home can lead to dangerous mold problems and cause many health issues. Attempting to resolve the mold issue yourself can cause the mold to spread quickly to other parts of your home

Mold removal is a complex process that needs extensive training, experience, and specialized tools so you should not just hire any mold remediation contractor that comes your way. Making sure they are worth your money is essential.

Make sure you’re dealing with professionals

You need to know you’re dealing with professionals. You can ask the remediation contractors to evaluate the affected area in your home. The manner they present themselves and how they answer your questions will tell you a lot. Look out for confident answers based on ensuring your health not just a price quote. Find out if they conduct air testing before and after remediation. Get the remediation contractors to explain the type of mold testing they do. If they do not conduct air testing, look elsewhere.

Make sure they are licensed and insured

Insurance is necessary for remediation contractors because it provides coverage in case of an accident. A license, on the other hand, says that the contractors are recognized and permitted to operate in your area. One thing that comes with being licensed is belonging to an association that emphasizes standards. This means licensed remediation contractors are equipped with the best standards available to rid your home of molds. Always choose contractors who are properly insured and licensed.

Check for free mold assessment

It is a popular practice for remediation contractors to provide an evaluation of your home at no cost. You can then take the opportunity to evaluate their professionalism. If a remediation contractor cannot provide a comprehensive assessment, you should not put them in charge of your project.

Prevention Is Key To Rodent Control

Selecting a pet rodent

Pets are an important part of the American household. Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider which pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle. Unfulfilled expectations are a leading cause of pet relinquishment, so make an informed decision. Take time, involve your family, and give careful consideration to the following questions if you are thinking about a rodent as a pet.

What’s special about pet rodents?

There are a range of small rodent species that offer options from interesting exotics to placid, domesticated species. They usually live in an enclosed habitat like a cage, pen, or hutch, but most will enjoy spending time outside their habitat with their human family. Their size and cage-pet status can make them seem like a less expensive or easier pet-keeping option. However, rodents still require an investment of time, attention, and resources in order to thrive and provide the best companionship for their owners.

Choosing a rodent

It is natural to be drawn to a cute little animal on first sight, but you need to consider which type of rodent might be a good fit for your family

Hamsters

The most common pet hamsters are Syrian or golden hamsters, but albino (white with pink eyes) hamsters are also available. Hamsters housed in pairs or groups may fight, so they are usually housed alone.

Gerbils

Similar in size to hamsters, gerbils are more active and social. Unlike hamsters, gerbils are happier when housed as a pair or in a small group. Potential owners should be aware that purchasing and keeping gerbils may be illegal in some states.

 

How to Choose Between a Pet Mouse or Pet Rat

Mice and rats are both low maintenance, cute pets. However, they do have different needs and personalities. Choose a rat if you’re looking for a more social, active and clean pet. If you’re on a budget and want a pet that requires little to no handling, a mouse is your best bet.

Choose the right pet for your schedule. Both mice and rats are nocturnal animals and are therefore likely to be hiding and sleeping during the day. Keep this is mind before adopting because they often like to play and make noise at night; keep this in mind when considering adopting a pet rodent

Adopt a mouse if you want a low maintenance pet. You can gently hold and stroke a pet mouse, or leave it to exercise in its cage. In contrast, rats need a bit more attention and will regularly need to be let out of their cage to play. If you don’t want this commitment, get a mouse instead.

Pick your pet based on the cage size it needs. How a rat or mouse cage might fit into your home could be an important factor to consider in deciding which animal to adopt. Rats require larger cages than mice due to their larger size. Both mice and rats should have cages where they can be viewed from the front rather than the top, so as to minimize stress

Choose a rat for a cleaner pet. You will have to clean up after both pet mice and pet rats. However, overall rats tend to be cleaner than mice, particularly in terms of their smell and droppings. Pet rats can also be toilet trained whereas pet mice can’t

 

How to Choose a Cat Who Will Kill Mice

Choosing a Gifted Mouser

Aloof demigod or cuddly cutie-pie, your cat is descended from countless generations of fierce predators. Under the right circumstances, almost any cat will kill a mouse. However, some cats seem to live for the hunt while others prefer to wait for the occasional mouse to stumble directly into their food bowls.

What Makes a Good Hunting Cat?

When choosing a good mouser, breed matters least. While certain types of cats, including Maine Coons and American Shorthair cats, are known as good mousers, there is tremendous individual variation within each breed.

How Kittens Learn to Hunt: A Skill Honed With Practice and Play

Watch as these kittens learn hunting skills through games and practice. As they begin to hunt, you may notice that their play looks a lot like the games you’ve seen more urban kittens and cats enjoy with their toys. The playful stalking, pouncing, and wrestling of kittens is practice for the hunt.

It’s All Fun and Games Unless You’re a Large and Juicy Rat

Whether you’re choosing a kitten or an adult cat, look for one who plays fiercely. When kittens play, they are honing their skills as little hunters. Watch for cats of any age who “stalk” their toys, or bite them and shake them vigorously. This type of play mimics more serious hunting behavior and is a good indication that a cat will seek out and kill mice.

Where to Find a Good Mouser

If you live in or near a rural area, look for a farm with a litter of barn cats. Plus, many states have barn cat relocation programs, so check the Internet for an organization near you. These kittens will have learned to hunt by watching their mothers, and are more likely to have a few kills under their own belts. An adult barn cat is an ideal choice if you can provide it with an appropriate environment, but may not adjust well to city life.

 

Top Cat Breeds For Catching Mice

People welcome cats into their households for a variety of reasons. Some just want a fluffy companion to share a couch or bed with, while others have small children who desire a low-maintenance playmate.

Other cat owners choose the domesticated cat for an altogether different purpose. These people appreciate cats for their natural gifts, namely, their hunting instincts. Cats have walked alongside human beings since time immemorial as valued assets for controlling the rodent population. On farms, in port cities and even on the decks of ships, cats have proven themselves worthy business partners for thousands and thousands of years.

Chances are good you don’t ferry spices and silks on ships from the Old World to the New, so maybe you don’t need a cat to keep your lower decks free from pesky mice. Still, no matter where you live in the United States, you’re bound to encounter one of our smaller mammalian friends at one time or another. To catch them, you need a qualified hunting cat.

Cats and Mice: It’s Complicated.

Do cats eat mice? It probably sounds like a simple enough question, but the truth is many people don’t know what their cat gets up to when it’s out in the yard

How to Choose the Right Cat for Hunting Mice

Before we get into the nitty gritty of choosing a perfect hunting cat, know you won’t always have a choice when it comes to breed.

 

Rodent Control

The word rodent means to “to gnaw.” We will mostly be reviewing the type of rodent called “commensal rodent.” The word commensal means “sharing one’s table.” The three types of commensal rodents are the House Mouse, the Norway Rat, and the Roof Rat. These rodents carry diseases and eat and contaminate our food. These rodents co-exist with humans and closely associate with human habitats for food, water, and shelter. If living conditions for the rodents (food, water, and shelter), are right, they can multiply quickly. In your rodent control program, the essential first step is to eliminate or control their food, water and shelter provisions. After this first step, use the methods of trapping and baiting to get rid of the rodent population. Other types of rodents, such as the white-footed mouse, deer mouse, harvest mouse, pocket mouse, or pack rats may enter buildings, particularly if they are near wooded areas or fields.

Rats are larger than mice, with correspondingly larger heads and feet. Rats also have coarser fur than mice. Mice are curious, while the rat is cautious. You will find Norway rats in burrows and the lower levels of a structure, while Roof rats prefer the upper levels of structures. Inspecting the rodent activity is essential. Use a flashlight to inspect their particular activity. Look for their “droppings”, rodent tracks, gnawing damage, burrows, runways, urine stains, rub/grease marks, and any other sitings of dead or live rodents. They also make screeching sounds, digging, or scratching sounds. If an infestation is well established, you may be able to detect a rodent odor.

To successfully get rid of mice and rats, it is critical to determine which type of rodent you have for effective control. For example, choosing the correct size trap is critical. A mouse trap would be too small for a rat, and a rat trap may not be sensitive enough to catch mice.

Behavior Difference Between Mice And Rats

Since rodents are dependent on their environment, it may be difficult to describe typical behavior and habits. But there are generalizations of their habits for practical purposes of rodent control around and inside buildings

Get Rid Of Mice And Rats

You will want a complete rodent elimination to occur before the rodents move to another area. A successful rodent control program includes a combination of baiting and trapping for the highest rate of success. However, if the rodent population is large, begin with a high quality rodent bait, in order to quickly knock down a population and prevent rapid growth.