People are always shocked when they learn that they have a rodent infestation. Perhaps their home is in good repair and they work hard to keep everything clean. Unfortunately, rodents are incredibly persistent. Their cunning and small size enable them to infiltrate buildings in ways that most people are not aware of.
Species such as the deer mouse, house mouse, white-footed mouse, Norway rat, roof rat and wood rat are commonly found in Bucks County. Each is capable of causing massive property damage. In addition, rodents are notorious for the filth that they spread and the diseases that they transmit.
DIY rodent treatment methods frequently fail. This may be because the treatments themselves are ineffective or improperly used. However, rodents also demonstrate surprising abilities when it comes to detecting and avoiding DIY treatments. This makes imperative the intervention of a trained pest management professional.
WHAT DO RODENTS LOOK LIKE?
Deer mice are tiny, but they can cause an outsized disruption in any home or office. Measuring just 28 centimeters from nose to tail, this species has fur that looks like the hair on a deer.
Only slightly larger than the deer mouse is the house mouse. Their hair also is darker than the deer mouse's fur, and the hair on their ears and tail may appear sparser.
White-footed mice may be mistaken for house mice because of their similar size. However, the white-footed mouse usually has lighter-colored fur and bright-white hair on their bellies and feet.
With their chunky, block-like bodies, Norway rats can look larger than their 40-centimeter length. They can elongate themselves to fit through surprisingly small openings. Shaggy gray or brown fur covers their bodies, but their tails and ears feature scales instead of hair.
Roof rats may be approximately the same length as Norway rats, but their sleek, slender bodies make them look smaller. It is possible to identify roof rats by their smooth black or brown fur and the scaly skin on their tail and ears.
Woodrats, which frequently are called packrats, are roughly the same length as Norway rats and roof rats. However, the color of their fur tends to be lighter than that of the other species. Their fur-covered ears and tails also differentiate them from the other local rats.
WHAT DO RODENTS EAT?
Rodents can thrive in almost any environment, largely because they are omnivorous eaters. While seeds, nuts, berries, grains, fruits and vegetables are preferred foods, rodents are known to dine on insects, animal carcasses and a wide variety of plants.
All human foods are likely to attract rodents. In addition to the items mentioned above, rats and mice may seek bread and other baked goods, pasta, peanut butter, cheese, honey, syrup and pet food.
WHERE DO RODENTS LIVE?
Like their diet, rodents do not have strict requirements when it comes to habitat. Members of the species may be found in arid deserts, on mountaintops and in rainforests. Their only real requirement is shelter from the elements and predators.
In the wild, this may mean an underground burrow or the hollow of a tree. Such locations are dark, small and warm. Rodents fill the spaces with fur, hair and shredded plant matter to make a cozy nest. When the nest becomes fouled with waste, most rodents simply seek a new location.
Rodents follow a similar pattern when they nest inside human habitations. Any location that is dark and secluded will suit them. Accordingly, nests may be found in attics, basements, crawlspaces, wall voids, drawers, cupboards and closets. Rodents will make use of clothing, linens, insulation and other materials to construct their nest.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY RODENTS
Rodents use their teeth and claws for everything, including gaining access to buildings. All they need is a small crack or hole to give them an opportunity. Using their teeth, they make the opening large enough so that they can get inside.
The damage caused by teeth and claws only multiples from there. Rodents tear through sheetrock, wallpaper, shingles, wood and electrical wiring with equal disregard for the damage they cause. Frayed electrical wires cause outages and fires. Rodents also are known to gnaw on plastic plumbing pipes, causing leaks.
Clothing, linens, insulation and upholstery all are shredded so that they can be added to the rodent nest. Moreover, rodents are responsible for the loss of sizable portions of food that are intended for human or pet consumption.
ARE RODENTS AGGRESSIVE?
Though small, rodents can be surprisingly aggressive when cornered or threatened. Such encounters typically are accidental, with people being shocked that a rodent is occupying the same space. A single scratch or bite can have serious consequences. In addition to being filthy, such wounds may be infected with germs and bacteria that require immediate medical attention.
DO RODENTS CARRY DISEASE?
Rodents are well-documented as carriers and transmitters of numerous harmful illnesses. Unless these diseases receive prompt and appropriate treatment, they may prove deadly. Plague is perhaps the best-known of the illnesses that rodents carry, but instances are rare in the modern era. These days, it is more common to hear of Lyme disease and Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome occurring.
Even when such diseases do not manifest, it is wise to remember that rodents crawl through garbage, sewers, drainpipes and other unhealthy places. They bring filth, bacteria and germs into every spot that they inhabit. This means that a home or business with a rodent infestation requires thorough disinfection.
HOW TO DETECT RODENTS
Signs of a rodent problem may include:
• Small footprints and tail marks on dusty surfaces • Piles of rodent waste products • Discovering shredded items in linen storage • Signs of gnawing on exterior and interior surfaces of buildings • Unexplained water leaks or power outages
HOW TO PREVENT RODENTS
To help prevent a rodent problem the following steps should be taken:
• Repair, cover or fill all holes and cracks in building exteriors • Remove clutter from around foundations and exterior walls • Eliminate clutter from indoor spaces • Use glass and metal containers with lids to store food • Do not store food on counters or tables • Use tight lids on garbage cans • Routinely clean and disinfect garbage cans
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 Bucks County area home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
