Without the proper resources, effective rodent control can prove too complicated to be resolved 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 may all 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, eliminate rodents, and remove nests from wherever they may be hidden.
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. Their ears and tails 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.
Rodents are omnivorous, meaning they can survive in practically any conditions. In their natural habitat, they may eat tree bark, but they prefer grains, nuts, seeds, and water. They also consume mushrooms, fruits, vegetables, leaves, and blossoms. Some larger species may even eat smaller rodents and other mammals.
Because of their varied diet, rodents thrive in kitchens and pantries. They exploit available food sources such as seeds, grains, nuts, peanut butter, pasta, rice, cereal, beans, baked goods, and meat. Pet food can also be an important source of nutrition.
Rodents prefer dark, quiet, and secluded areas for nesting, away from predators and human activity. Outdoors, they may nest in tree hollows, abandoned animal burrows, or under large rocks. Indoors, they seek shelter in crawl spaces, wall voids, basements, and attics. Rodents have also been found nesting in furniture, behind appliances, and in cluttered rooms.
Rodents can cause extensive damage to homes by gnawing on walls, insulation, support beams, and even electrical wiring, which increases the risk of fires. They may also chew through plumbing pipes, leading to leaks and water damage.
Rodents are typically nocturnal and avoid human contact. However, in cases of overpopulation, they may be forced to forage during the day. If cornered or threatened, rodents may bite or scratch, posing health risks.
Rodents are known to spread nearly four dozen diseases, with food poisoning being one of the most common. Contaminated food surfaces can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. More serious illnesses such as Hantavirus, rat-bite fever, and Lyme disease are also associated with rodent infestations. Even indirect contact through fleas, ticks, or rodent waste can lead to disease transmission.
Signs of a rodent infestation include:
To minimize the risk of rodent infestations, consider the following:
One of the most effective ways to keep rodents out is through proper rodent-proofing techniques. Sealing entry points, securing food sources, and maintaining a clutter-free environment can significantly reduce the chances of an infestation. To learn more about professional rodent-proofing services and step-by-step guidance, visit our Rodent Proofing page.
Successful rodent control typically involves a combination of trapping, baiting, and professional exclusion techniques.
If you suspect a rodent problem, contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced pest control professionals will inspect your property, identify the type and scope of the infestation, and implement a customized solution to protect your home or business.
Schedule a FREE inspection today.
