Recommedations for exterminator (Baltimore: renters, house, purchasing)

[marishamd]

I am purchasing a home, but realize that it has a rodent (mice) issue. Does anyone have any recommendations for an exterminator to eradicate the mice? I hate mice with a passion, but love the house

[rudy_d]

Is it a rowhouse? If so, it might not be worth it. I had a sudden, bad issue w/ mice a few years ago and called an exterminator. He was very honest with me and basically talked me out of doing anything. He said that because my place looked pretty clean, they were probably coming through small holes in the masonry from another house on the block. He wouldn't be able to get to the source of the problem and could cause bigger problems, like a dead mouse under a floor or in a wall. If a nearby house is being renovated there can be a sudden influx.

I put out some cheap traps, which I still keep strategically placed, caught a few, and the problem went away on its own.

[jonjj]

Best exterminator: Cat. And check the basement for wholes, etc. Pick up some grout and point up the bricks. It is actually a lot easier than you think.

[chippeebobippee]

Get a mouser and walk your property to look for holes, tunnels, etc. Any wood, debris (like leaves in the fall, blossoms in spring, etc) keep away from the foundation. Forget those high pitch frequency products as they only work a little while, then the rodents return. If you have a partially finished or a dirt basement, do your best to look for tunnel or points of entry but a cat who is a mouser is your best bet. He/she will keep your property vermin free. Forget programs like Rat Rubout or the exterminator becaue, like the prior poster said, baiting can invite the rodents on over to your place and that is a nightmare. While cleanliness counts, if you live near someone with a rodent or roach problem, you will likely see the occasional varmint. Hope this helps.

[janetvj]

I have a rowhouse in the Baltimore area and never had a problem with pests until my next door neighbor sold his house to an absentee landlord. The current renters moved in, roaches and all. I called Orkin and have had them come out every other month, and have had no problems at all ever since. The service person mentioned that she saw evidence of mice having been in the house in the past - she found an old nest behind the stove (I had never thought to pull it out and look before), so she treated the house for rodents, too. So far, so good, and it's been about a year. Good luck to you!