Without the proper resources, effective rodent control can prove too complicated to be resolved than by simply setting out a couple of traps.
Rodents such as the deer mouse, house mouse, white-footed mouse, roof rat, Norway rat and woodrat all may be found inside or living adjacent to a Newtown area home or business. Each of these species is capable of causing property damage and spreading more than three dozen illnesses.
Clearly, rodent problems need to be controlled. The best way to get rid of these intruders is to seek the services of a licensed pest management professional who can identify and block access points to buildings, kill rodents and remove nests from wherever they may be hidden.
WHAT DO RODENTS LOOK LIKE?
Deer mice have fur that is similar in color to a deer's fur. Weighing only about 15 to 32 grams when fully grown, these rodents measure between 12 and 28 centimeters long.
Most house mice weigh between 12 and 30 grams and measure about 20 centimeters in length. While the belly is covered in light-colored or white fur, their backs feature black or brown fur.
Named for the color of their bellies and paws, white-footed mice have fur on their backs that may be reddish- or grayish-brown. Adults weigh approximately 28 grams and measure 14 to 20 centimeters long.
At about 40 centimeters, roof rats are much larger. They are sleek and slender with smooth black or brown fur. On their ears and tail, they are covered with scales.
Similar in length to roof rats, Norway rats have heavier, bulkier bodies, and their dark fur is coarse. Scales are apparent on their ears and tails.
Woodrats are smaller, with most adults reaching a maximum of 30 centimeters in length. Their tails are covered with bushy hair, and they also may be identified by their oversized eyes and long whiskers.
WHAT DO RODENTS EAT?
Considered omnivorous, it is possible for rodents to survive in practically any conditions. Although in their natural habitat they subsist on items like tree bark when necessary, they prefer grains, nuts, seeds and water. Rodents also may eat mushrooms, fruits, vegetables, leaves and blossoms. Some of the larger species also may survive by eating smaller rodents and other mammals.
Because of their varied appetite, rodents do well in kitchens and pantries. They will exploit seeds, grains and nuts in addition to peanut butter, pasta, rice, cereal, beans, baked goods and meat. Pet food products may be another important source of nutrition.
WHERE DO RODENTS LIVE?
Areas that are dark, quiet and secluded provide ideal nesting habitat. Rodents prefer their nests to be hidden from predators, including people. When living in nature, rodents may use an abandoned animal burrow, the hollow in a tree or a fallen log as a nest. A depression in the soil beneath a large stone or a tree trunk also provides excellent habitat.
Many species of rodents will enter nest and inside human habitations when this is available in order to seek protection from harsh winter weather. Crawl spaces, wall voids, basements and attics provide the most likely nesting habitat. However, rodent nests have been discovered beneath major appliances, in the back of drawers and cupboards and within upholstered furniture. Even a room that is filled with clutter and rarely visited by people may be used.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY RODENTS
Homes that are infested with rodents may be vulnerable to extensive damage since all species use their teeth to gnaw on everything that they encounter. Frequently, this means chewing on small holes or cracks that are found in building exteriors.
Chewing on these surfaces can enlarge these openings and provide the rodents with means of getting indoors. Once inside, the gnawing continues on things like wooden building frames, support joists, sheetrock and siding. Rodents may shred insulation, books, documents, clothing, towels and sheets to obtain nesting materials.
Another trait is to gnaw on electrical wires, which has the potential to cause outages and fires as well as that of plumbing pipes, which can cause leaks.
ARE RODENTS AGGRESSIVE?
In general, rodents are considered nocturnal species. This means that people are more likely to find these creatures if they are up at night. However, when rodent populations explode, then some animals may be compelled to forage for food during the day, which multiplies the opportunities for an aggressive encounter.
Rodents usually prefer to avoid confrontations with people. Nonetheless, if the animal feels cornered or threatened, then they will react with bites and scratches. These wounds may be serious and require medical care.
DO RODENTS CARRY DISEASE?
Because they are known to spread nearly four dozen diseases, rodents are a major health problem. The most common illness associated with a rodent infestation is food poisoning. These cases arise after people consume food that was contaminated by rodents or prepare food on contaminated surfaces. Ranging from mild to severe, medical care may be needed when symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever arise.
Less common but more serious illnesses also may occur during rodent infestations. These include Hantavirus, the plague, rat-bite fever and Lyme disease.
Keep in mind that it is not necessary to actually touch or otherwise come into contact with a rodent to get sick. The fleas and ticks that infest rodents can spread illness, and aerosolized droplets of rodent waste products similarly can make people sick.
HOW TO DETECT RODENTS
Signs of a rodent infestation include the following:
• Rodent nests found anywhere inside or adjacent to buildings • Rustling and squeaking sounds coming from behind walls • Walls have grease marks • Rodent droppings are found inside the house • Gnaw marks are found on building exteriors and on surfaces in the house
HOW TO PREVENT RODENTS
Tips to protect against rodent problems include:
• Repair plumbing and irrigation leaks upon discovery • Seal or cover any cracks or holes in building exteriors • Regularly clean garbage cans • Prevent trees and shrubs from contacting building exteriors • Keep pet food stored except at mealtimes • Clean up spills and crumbs when they occur • Put dirty dishes directly into the dishwasher
HOW TO TREAT FOR RODENTS
Successful rodent control typically involves a series of steps, including trapping, poison baits, along with proper species identification.
Those who suspect a rodent problem should contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced pest control professionals know how to inspect a structure to determine the type and scope of the infestation involved. They will then execute the appropriate plan of action to resolve the specific rodent issue plaguing your Newtown area home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
