Rodents can be one of the most damaging and potentially dangerous pests. It doesn’t take much of an opening for a rodent to find its way into a home or business. Unnoticed, a rodent problem can turn into a large infestion in a very short period of time. A few types of common rodents and their pictures and information are listed in our library. Take a look!
Rodent infestations can cause considerable damage to infested buildings and local agriculture. Rodents are also known carriers of many diseases and prove a health hazard to humans. Rodent populations grow quickly and steadily. Rodent control is best started prior to infestations. In order to protect your home, garden and health from existing rodent infestations, professional, customized solutions are often necessary.
Unified efforts on the part of neighbors can prove extremely effective in preventing infestations. Within apartment buildings and neighborhoods, coordination of prevention measures may include cleaning efforts and landscape alteration.. On an individual level, homes can be rodent-proofed through identifying and sealing as many possible entry points.
Rodents’ biology and habits can make them challenging to control, and they present a serious menace to your home. If you’re in need of rodent control services, here’s what you should know about these pests:
Rats
- Instincts: Rats are instinctively wary of things new to their environment, including rat control measures such as traps and bait, and colonize in attics, burrows, under concrete and porches, in wall voids and other hard-to-reach places.
- Disease: Rats can harbor and transmit a number of serious diseases. They can also introduce disease-carrying parasites such as fleas and ticks into your home.
Mice
- Access: They invade your home seeking food, water and warmth.
- Contamination: Each mouse can contaminate much more food than it eats.
Rodent Facts
Rodents are warm-blooded mammals that, like humans, can be found throughout the world. They have oversized front teeth for gnawing and check teeth, which are adapted for chewing. Rodents chew on a variety of items available to them and cause great damage in and around homes.
Rodents tend to be rapid breeders. Some species breed year-round, and populations are maintained through constant reproduction. Because of the rodents’ body plan, they are capable of squeezing through spaces that appear to be much too small for them. All such holes should be sealed to prevent entry and reentry of rodents. A pest control professional should be contacted for assistance.
Rats and mice are both extremely destructive within agricultural communities. A number of species feed on seeds and grains. The feces and urine of some rodents may contaminate surfaces with which they come into contact.