If a mouse has been seen moving around a Saint Cloud home or office it is likely not alone. When rats and mice are found indoors, it should signal an alarm to contact an exterminator. These pests can become an issue quickly. Mice and rats including the roof rat, the Norway rat, the wood rat, the house mouse, the white-footed mouse and the deer mouse are all commonly found through the region.
Rodents, especially these species of mice and rats, reproduce at an exponential rate. With short gestation periods, several pups born to a single litter and a young female age for reproduction, a single rodent can cause a large infestation. In a single year, one female rodent can create a population of thousands of others. While it may be tempting to use at-home treatment methods when spotting a mouse, infestations are likely larger than imagined. Hiring a local pest management company is recommended to appropriately control rodent populations.
WHAT DO RODENTS LOOK LIKE?
Mice and rats are small creatures. Generally, adult rats are larger than adult mice. Roof rats have black and brown colored fur. They are typically six to eight inches in length and have a scaly tail.
Norway rats are bigger than most roof rats but have smaller ears. These rodents can weigh up to a pound. They tend to grow up to 10 inches in length. Their tails are often shorter than the rest of their bulky bodies. Norway rats have a blunted snout and small eyes.
Wood rats, often called pack rats, have thick brown or gray fur. Unlike other rats, the wood rat has a hairy tail. Typically, wood rats will have a white underside and white feet. Their bodies grow up to around 10 inches, and their tails are slightly shorter than their bodies.
As their name suggests, white-footed mice are known for their white feet and white bellies. These mice have brown fur on their backs. They typically weigh less than an ounce and do not often exceed eight inches in length when counting their tails.
House mice often tend to have lighter fur on their underside and feet. The tops of their bodies are typically a shade of gray. These common pests are often identified by their small bodies, hairless tails, pointed noses and small, beady eyes. House mice are normally around four inches in length.
Known for their large, black eyes, deer mice are easily identified. Their fur is tan or brown, resembling the color of a deer. Generally, they have white tails, bellies and feet. Their size is comparable to a house mouse.
WHAT DO RODENTS EAT?
Mice and rats are omnivorous and can survive on limited diets. While they have food preferences, they will eat both plant and animal materials. In the wild, these animals gravitate towards grains and seeds, but they will also eat fruits, vegetables and even insects.
When rodents have moved indoors, they will stay near reliable food and water sources. They may eat leftover food scraps, pantry items or rotting food. Some of these pests will eat pet food that is left out, as well. Rats are known to live near garbage cans where they can easily scavenge for food. Each day, rodents can eat up to 15 percent of their body weight.
WHERE DO RODENTS LIVE?
Because they are fearful of humans, mice and rats prefer to live in secluded areas. In colder months, these animals may seek out warmth and shelter inside a property. They can also move indoors to hide away from potential predators in the wild. When inside, rodent nests might be found in garage corners, attics or crawl spaces. Sometimes, these pests move closer to food sources and may be found behind fridges, in kitchen cabinets or in cluttered rooms.
As social creatures, mice and rats live in nests with others. The exception to this is the wood rat, frequently living in a solitary nest. In the wild, rodent nests might be found in forested areas, in trees or in tall, grassy areas. Nests are often ball-shaped and made up of rough materials. There is normally a hole in the center of the nest for rodents to slip in and out of easily.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY RODENTS
Properties with rodent infestations are prone to damage over time. The level of damage is often dependent on the size of the infestation. A professional exterminator in the Saint Cloud, Florida area can inspect and determine the size of the issue. No matter the size, however, rodents can cause structural damage and other issues to an office or home.
Rodents are known for their sharp incisors. These teeth constantly grow, so mice and rats will chew on things around them to keep them well-groomed. While they are not gnawing to eat, this chewing can still create large problems. Many rodents like chewing on wires found within homes. As they chew, they can cause wires to split, fray or completely break. This can lead to not just wires malfunctioning but can also cause electrical fires. This is possible with vehicle wiring, as well.
When they have moved indoors, they will also gnaw on home structures. Aside from wire damage, rodents can cause costly damage to walls, ceilings and floors. As they build their nests, they will damage these home materials to take nesting materials. Rodents prefer soft materials, such as insulation and fabric.
Mice and rats can also cause damage to plumbing or HVAC systems. In chewing, they can damage plumbing systems and ultimately increase the risk of property flooding. They also have been known to build their nests within air ducts. This will not only damage the HVAC system over time but can lead to bacteria spreading through the ventilation system.
ARE RODENTS AGGRESSIVE?
For the most part, rodents are not aggressive to humans. When mice and rats are left undisturbed, they do not typically seek to harm humans. However, if they feel threatened, they may react by biting. If bitten by a rodent, medical attention is recommended to rule out the risk of illness and disease.
DO RODENTS CARRY DISEASE?
There are dozens of diseases that can be spread by rodents. These pests transmit illness both directly and indirectly. Directly, rodent bites or contact with feces, urine or saliva can lead to illness. Indirectly, fleas or ticks can feast on rodents and then transmit them to humans over time. While not all mice and rats carry disease, all can spread illness given the right conditions.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis are two illnesses that can be spread by rodents. Both diseases are spread by the urine, feces and saliva of these animals. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a life-threatening illness that attacks respiratory function. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disease, and it is associated with a mortality rate of approximately 38 percent if contracted. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis is typically less severe than Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, however, it can still cause lasting effects. Over time, this disease can cause neurological issues, as it affects the brain and the meninges.
HOW TO DETECT RODENTS
Signs of a rodent infestation include the following:
• Oval-shaped rodent droppings found near food sources • Increased or unusual pet activity near specific areas of a home or building • Chewed home structures, including insulation, walls or floors • A foul ammonia-like odor • Seeing a single mouse or rat in or near a property
HOW TO PREVENT RODENTS
To help prevent a rodent infestation, the following steps should be taken:
• Put away pet food overnight and try to only feed pets at designated mealtimes • Avoid leaving dishes in the sink overnight • Keep rooms and areas free of clutter that can attract rodent nests • Store food in airtight containers when not in use • Contact a local Saint Cloud pest professional
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.
