Rodents, with their propensity for remaining hidden and rapid reproduction, are among the most troubling of all pest infestations facing Levittown area homes and businesses. These small, furry creatures are adept at gaining access to human habitations. Once inside, they wreak havoc, causing damage to property and spreading illness.
When the infestation is discovered, people may be tempted to set out a mouse trap and hope that the problem goes away. Unfortunately, a mouse trap is rarely a sufficient deterrent.
A multi-pronged approach is instead required. With techniques such as exclusion, bait stations, traps and the destruction of nesting habitat, it is possible for exterminators to end rodent infestations.
WHAT DO RODENTS LOOK LIKE?
The deer mouse is named for the similarity in their coloring with deer. On their backs, they are covered in grayish-brown fur, and the belly and legs are covered with white fur. Adults typically weigh approximately 15 to 32 grams and are between 12 and 28 centimeters long.
House mice are similarly sized at about 20 centimeters long with weight ranging from 12 to 30 grams. The fur on their backs may be anything from light brown to black while the fur on the belly tends to be lighter.
Weighing in at approximately 28 grams and measuring between 14 and 20 centimeters long, white-footed mice have white feet and bellies. However, the fur on their backs usually is reddish-brown to grayish-brown.
Roof rats are a sleek 40 centimeters long. Covered in smooth black or brown fur, these rodents have scales on their ears and tails.
Norway rats are bulkier than roof rats, though they may have a similar length of about 40 centimeters. Weighing anywhere from 200 to 500 grams, these rodents are characterized by coarse brown fur and scaly skin on the tail and ears.
The smaller woodrat generally only grows to a maximum of 30 centimeters in length. A hairy, bushy tail differentiates the woodrat from other rat species. Moreover, they have oversized eyes, long whiskers and tend to be lighter in color than other rats.
WHAT DO RODENTS EAT?
Rodents generally are considered omnivorous, making them well adapted to survive virtually any conditions. Foods like seeds, nuts and grains are heavily favored, but many rodents also will eat small mammals. Rodents further may seek fruits, vegetables, fungus, tree bark, flower blossoms and many other items when nesting outdoors.
Cold weather or simple opportunity may draw rodents indoors to forage for food. Meat, rice, pasta, grains, seeds, nuts, bread and other baked goods are just a few of the foods that rodents may target. Also, pet food can be enormously attractive to hungry rodents.
WHERE DO RODENTS LIVE?
Almost any spot that is quiet, dark and secluded may provide the perfect habitat for rodent nests. A depression in the soil that is protected by an overhanging rock may be ideal. Fallen logs and hollow trees also may be utilized.
Inside human habitations, rodents find many nesting options. The back corner of a drawer or cabinet provides plenty of privacy, as does the open area beneath a large kitchen appliance. Sometimes, rodents simply burrow into upholstered furniture or secrete themselves in the pantry.
Rodent nests frequently are found in places like garages, sheds, crawl spaces, attics and basements. These spots are attractive because they tend to be dark, quiet and rarely disturbed by people. Additionally, many of these locations have clutter that provides excellent cover for animals that prefer to hide.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY RODENTS
Rodents tend to be more destructive than other pests. All rodents feel a strong instinct to chew on everything that they encounter. This habit may allow them to gain entry to a home, as they simply gnaw on a small hole or crack until it is large enough to admit them.
The siding on the home's exterior or even the shingles on the roof may be extensively damaged by rodent activity. These pests also will chew on wooden building frames, support joists and sheetrock. Many of these components can be costly and difficult to repair or replace.
Electrical wiring is particularly vulnerable to rodent gnawing. In fact, this activity may be responsible for appliances suddenly needing repair. Particularly dire infestations may lead to larger electrical outages or even house fires.
Even plumbing systems may be damaged by aggressive rodents. Plastic pipes tend to be the most liable to be damaged, and considerable water leaks may be caused.
ARE RODENTS AGGRESSIVE?
Rodents are nocturnal, which means that they are more active when most people are asleep. Still, encounters may occur at night or during the day, especially when the rodent population is large. Daytime rodent activity suggests an out-of-control population that forces some individuals to forage for food outside of their normal behavior pattern.
When rodents and people confront each other, the animal may react with aggression, particularly if it feels trapped. Bites and scratches are common injuries suffered by people in these disputes, so it is never advisable for people to try to capture or handle a rodent.
DO RODENTS CARRY DISEASE?
Perhaps the gravest concern associated with a rodent infestation is the danger of the home's human occupants becoming seriously ill. Evidence demonstrates that rodents may transmit in excess of 40 diseases to people through various means.
A bite or scratch may make someone ill, but it further is possible to get sick from even brief contact with rodent waste products. It also is worth knowing that rodents frequently are infested with fleas and ticks that similarly may spread diseases to people.
The plague, Hantavirus, rat-bite fever and Lyme disease are just a few examples of illnesses that may arise during a rodent infestation. However, the most common sickness is food poisoning, which comes of eating contaminated food or preparing meals on contaminated surfaces.
HOW TO DETECT RODENTS
The following signs may indicate a rodent issue:
• Seeing a rodent scurry across a floor or counter • Finding a rodent nest in or adjacent to the house • Grease marks on walls • Several surfaces damaged by teeth and claws • Squeaking and rustling noises from behind walls • Rodent droppings inside the house
HOW TO PREVENT RODENTS
To help prevent rodent issues the following steps should be taken:
• Store pet food except at meal times • Eliminate clutter • Routinely wash garbage cans • Keep food in lidded glass or metal containers • Inspect building exteriors for holes or cracks • Frequently wipe down, vacuum and mop kitchen surfaces
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 Levittown area home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
