Persistent and dangerous, rodent infestations require quick action. While Yardley home and business owners may be tempted to pick up some traps at the local hardware store, this rarely is a satisfactory way to end an infestation.
This means that the wisest course of action is to ask an exterminator to handle the problem. Exterminators not only find ways to block access to the home but also get rid of rodent nests and dispose of any deceased animals. With this full-service approach, homeowners know that their homes are clean and hygienic again.
WHAT DO RODENTS LOOK LIKE?
Named for coloration that is similar to a deer, the deer mouse exhibits grayish-brown fur on the back and white fur on the legs and belly. Adults measure approximately 12 to 28 centimeters long and weigh between 15 and 32 grams.
The average house mouse is approximately 20 centimeters long and weighs between 12 and 30 grams. Light brown or black fur covers the back, but the belly fur is a lighter shade.
White-footed mice are named for the color of the fur on their paws and bellies. The fur on their backs varies between grayish-brown and reddish-brown. Adults reach lengths of between 14 and 20 centimeters and weigh about 28 grams.
Slender and sleek, roof rats are an average length of 40 centimeters. They are covered in smooth fur that may be brown or black while their ears and tails are covered in scaly skin.
Roof rats usually are a similar length when compared to roof rats. However, their body shape is bulkier, and the dark brown fur that covers them is coarse. The ears and tails are scaly.
Woodrats are smaller than other rat species, frequently measuring just 30 centimeters. Other distinguishing characteristics include their lighter colored fur, long whiskers and oversized eyes. Additionally, their tails are covered in bushy hair.
WHAT DO RODENTS EAT?
Rodents are omnivorous and accordingly well-adapted for survival. They may eat things, like tree bark, that are not obvious food sources when their preferred foods are not available. Nuts, seeds and grains are the most common sources of nutrition, but many rodents also eat fruits, vegetables and fungus. Flower blossoms and leaves are other possibilities. Larger rodents are known to eat smaller rodents and perhaps fish as well.
Kitchens and pantries are the perfect places to find food like cereals, grains, pasta, rice, beans, peanut butter, bread, meat and baked goods. Rodents frequently target pet food as a nutrition source.
WHERE DO RODENTS LIVE?
When looking for a place to nest, rodents prefer dark, secluded areas. Ideally, humans rarely, if ever, venture into these places. When living outdoors, rodents may utilize a depression beneath a large rock, a fallen log or a hollow tree. Some rodents will dig a burrow or use a burrow that has been abandoned by another animal.
Many nesting options are available in and around human homes. Attics, basements, crawl spaces and wall voids all are likely nesting spots. Rodent nests also have been found behind a row of books on a shelf, in disused mattresses and upholstered furniture, inside cardboard boxes or in the back of a drawer.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY RODENTS
When compared with other pests, rodents are among the most destructive. Much of the damage is caused by their teeth.
Rodent teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetime. Consequently, they must constantly gnaw to control this growth. Chewing also is the rodent's best method for enlarging a hole or crack in a building's exterior so that they can get inside.
Once indoors, rodents continue to gnaw on all sorts of wood, plaster, plastic and fibrous surfaces. They may shred linens, books, documents, clothing and insulation to use as padding for their nests.
Frequently, rodents damage electrical cords and wiring, causing appliances to suddenly stop working. This behavior also may cause house fires. Plastic plumbing pipes similarly may be gnawed on and damaged, leading to costly leaks.
ARE RODENTS AGGRESSIVE?
Rodents naturally are nocturnal, which helps them to avoid most contact with people. Nonetheless, encounters still may happen. This is especially true in homes where the rodent population has become particularly large. Competition for food may force some individuals to forage in the daylight, increasing the chances for a confrontation.
A cornered rodent is likely to respond with bites and scratches. These injuries can cause a serious illness, making it ill-advised to try to deliberately handle a rodent.
DO RODENTS CARRY DISEASE?
Even more serious than the property damage that they cause is the rodent's propensity for spreading illness. Known to transmit in excess of three dozen diseases, this is the primary reason why people request rodent control on a regular basis.
Rodent bites or scratches can make people sick, but so can inadvertent contact with waste products. It further is not unusual for mice and rats to be infested with fleas and ticks that can make people severely ill.
Lyme disease, rat-bite fever, Hantavirus and the plague all are examples of sicknesses that may accompany a rodent infestation.
More common than these illnesses is simple food poisoning, which occurs when people eat food that rodents have infested.
HOW TO DETECT RODENTS
The primary indications of a rodent problem include:
• Rodent droppings discovered indoors • Grease marks on walls • Hearing sounds of squeaking or rustling from behind walls • Gnaw marks on a variety of interior and exterior surfaces • Rodent nests found in or next to buildings
HOW TO PREVENT RODENTS
To help prevent a rodent infestation the following measures should be taken:
• Do not allow spills and crumbs to linger • Mop, vacuum and wipe all kitchen surfaces on a regular basis • Put pet food out only at mealtimes • Get rid of clutter • Keep garbage cans clean • Use trash cans with tight lids • Store food in metal or glass containers with tight lids
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 Yardley area home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
