Rodent infestations are among the most feared and destructive. Though some species may be small, their propensity for extreme rates of reproduction means that even the tiniest mice are capable of causing extensive damage.
People frequently overlook the presence of rodents because these mammals tend to be most active at night. Additionally, rodents prefer to stay in dark, secluded areas where their presence is more likely to go undetected. This means that infestations may be of long standing before they are discovered. By this time, the problem is out of control.
Common species such as the deer mouse, house mouse, white-footed mouse, roof rat, Norway rat and woodrat frequently infest Doylestown homes and businesses. Because they represent a significant health threat and may be responsible for considerable damage, it is recommended that the assistance of an exterminator be requested to deal with rodents. This is the only way to eliminate an infestation.
WHAT DO RODENTS LOOK LIKE?
With reddish-brown or gray fur that looks like the hair of a deer, the deer mouse has a white underbelly. Including the tail, their rounded bodies may measure as long as nine inches.
House mice have sleeker, thinner bodies, and they typically only measure about four inches in length. Brown or black hair covers their bodies.
The white-footed mouse gets its name from the bright white fur on its belly and feet. Approximately the same size as deer mice, white-footed mice also may be identified by the reddish-brown fur on their backs.
Growing to nearly 16 inches in length, the roof rat is a fearsome presence in any home. The species is characterized by a heavy, bulky body and shaggy gray or brown fur. Scaly skin covers their ears and tails.
Norway rats are similarly sized when compared with roof rats. However, it may be possible to identify them by their sleek body and their smooth fur, which may be gray or brown. This species also has scaly skin on the tail and ears.
Woodrats, which are familiarly known as packrats, may be identified by their squirrel-like tails and oversized, rounded ears. Their entire body is covered by dark brown fur.
WHAT DO RODENTS EAT?
Rodents are classified as omnivorous, which means that they can survive on virtually anything, even things that may not ordinarily be considered food sources. This lack of fastidiousness is one of the adaptations that enables rodents to thrive in almost any conditions.
When living in the wild, rodents eat items such as nuts, grains, seeds, flowers, leaves, bark and fungus. Protein may be obtained from consuming insects and arthropods, although some larger rodents are known to eat smaller mammals and fish.
Kitchens and pantries are filled with food that is suitable for rodents. From bread and pasta to hot dogs and steak, anything that is not packaged in metal or glass containers with tight lids is vulnerable. Rodents also seek out and consume a variety of pet foods.
WHERE DO RODENTS LIVE?
The rodent's diet can be exceptionally varied, and the same is true of their habitat. Species of rodent are found on nearly every continent and in almost every climate zone. Rodents are capable of surviving in locations with far harsher weather patterns than Doylestown, which means that local conditions are ideal for ensuring large rodent populations.
In the wild, rodents may dig a burrow or use another animal's abandoned burrow for a nest. The entrance to these burrows may be concealed by a fallen log, the roots of a large tree, a big rock or a hollow tree.
Rodents frequently live in close proximity to people because this gives them access to food, shelter and water. Nests may be secreted beneath decks or within woodpiles, though a burrow also may be dug in a garden or a sparse spot in the lawn.
Remote, dark, secure locations are sought for nesting when rodents venture into human habitations. Likely spots to find rodent nests include wall voids, drawers, cupboards, attics, basements, beneath large appliances, in upholstered furniture and beneath subfloors.
To improve their nest, rodents forage for various fibrous materials. Accordingly, they will shred fabric, paper and insulation or bring items like leaves, hair, fur and feathers back to the nest for padding.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY RODENTS
Rodent teeth grow throughout their lifetime. To manage this growth, they must constantly gnaw. This behavior is responsible for hundreds and even thousands of dollars in damage to homes. Gnawing frequently is the means that rodents use to gain access to human habitations. They locate a small crack or hole, then use their teeth to enlarge it so that they can access the building's interior.
Once inside, damage is inflicted on a variety of items and surfaces. Rodents gnaw on furniture, walls, window and door frames, electrical wiring and even plumbing pipes. This behavior may be responsible for electrical shorts, fires and water leaks.
Small items like books, clothing, towels, sheets and documents all may be gnawed on or shredded by claws. Damage also is caused to children's toys, furniture and irreplaceable family heirlooms.
ARE RODENTS AGGRESSIVE?
Rodents may react with aggression when they feel trapped or cornered. This is why it is rarely a good idea to directly attack a rodent with the idea of killing or removing it. Small and agile, rodents easily can escape. Because they also are adept at hiding, some DIY treatments may only force rodents to find new and better hiding places.
When aggressive behavior does occur, people may receive bites or scratches that require medical attention.
DO RODENTS CARRY DISEASE?
Rodents are notorious for the number of diseases that they carry and transmit. Current estimate suggest that they are responsible for the spread of approximately 40 illnesses.
A bite or scratch from a rodent may transmit an illness to a person, but transmission also occurs when a person comes into contact with a rodent carcass or rodent waste products. Even the fleas and ticks that infest rodents may cause illness in humans.
Including rat-bite fever, bubonic plague and Hantavirus, the diseases that are spread by rodents may be life-threatening. The most common sickness associated with rodent infestations is food poisoning. Known as salmonellosis, symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, muscle aches and fever should be reviewed by a physician.
HOW TO DETECT RODENTS
Indications of a rodent problem include:
• Droppings on various surfaces • Seeing live or dead rodents • Gnaw marks discovered in building interiors • Sounds of rustling or squeaking behind walls
HOW TO PREVENT RODENTS
To help reduce rodent issues the following steps should be taken:
• Use glass or metal containers with lids to store food • Wipe up spills and crumbs as they occur • Eliminate clutter both indoors and out • Use garbage cans with tight lids • Routinely clean 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 Doylestown area home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
