Rodents may be relatively small mammals, but they cause outsized problems when they live inside homes and businesses in Ewing. This is because rodents cause a great deal of structural damage and are widely feared for their ability to spread potentially lethal diseases. Property owners who are concerned about the structural integrity of the building and the health of its human occupants are encouraged to contact an exterminator with all possible speed when a rodent infestation is suspected.
Rodents have sought to live close to or even within man-made structures for centuries. Doing so helps to ensure the rodents' survival, but it comes at an extreme cost to people. Species such as the house mouse, deer mouse, white-footed mouse, Norway rat, roof rat and wood rat all are known to inhabit buildings. They do so in order to gain access to food as well as possible nesting sites. Once indoors, rodents are exceptionally difficult to evict. They will not leave on their own, and a mousetrap is inadequate to address the problem.
With their uncanny ability to avoid all but the most cleverly placed traps, rodent infestations can grow with surprising speed. Accordingly, this is a problem that deserves the attention of a licensed pest management professional who can utilize baits, traps, poisons and other control measures to ensure the eradication of the local rodent population.
WHAT DO RODENTS LOOK LIKE?
As its name suggests, the house mouse is a frequent offender when it comes to living in man-made structures of all descriptions. The house mouse has a small, rounded body that may measure as long as seven inches. Gray and brown are common fur colors, and the ears are quite large while the eyes are little and beady.
With white fur on their stomachs and gray fur on their backs, deer mouse coloration resembles the larger mammals for which they are named. Deer mice may grow to a maximum length of seven inches, and their eyes are large and bulging.
White-footed mice also have white undersides and feet. Brown or gray fur is commonly found on their backs, and this fur may be made distinctive with a mid-dorsal line. This mouse's tail is bi-colored just like its body.
Norway rats are among the largest rodents that are seen inside homes and businesses in Ewing. From their noses to the tips of their tails, these rodents may measure 16 inches. A bulky, heavy body and coarse, dark fur are among the defining characteristics of this species. A blunt nose and small, hairless ears also may be noted.
The roof rat is only slightly shorter than the Norway rat, with a body length of approximately six to eight inches and a tail that measures between seven and ten inches. Sleeker than the Norway rat, the roof rat also has smoother fur, large eyes, oversized ears and a tail that is covered in scales.
Wood rats are among the only building-infesting rodents in the region that have hairy tails. Similarly sized when compared with Norway rats, the wood rat can always be identified by their furry tail. These animals are covered with smooth black or brown fur that tends to be darker on the back than on the stomach.
WHAT DO RODENTS EAT?
It is common to see mice enjoying a largely plant-based diet when they live outdoors. Fruit, grains, seeds and mast are among their favorite foods, though they also may be observed eating insects.
Rats will eat all of these foods in nature as well as others. In fact, scientists are more likely to classify rats as omnivorous because of their unspecific eating habits. They will even eat fish, other rodents, lizards and any meat that they encounter.
Garbage cans, kitchens, pantries, dining rooms and cafeterias are irresistible to rodents, especially if there are crumbs and spills on surfaces. Food that is improperly stored soon yields to the rodent's sharp teeth and claws. Almost any edible item that is kept somewhere in a building is suitable food for rodents. Chocolate, vegetables, grains, baked goods, pet food, meat and fish are only a few examples.
WHERE DO RODENTS LIVE?
Although rodent behavior suggests that they like to live in close proximity to people, this does not mean that they want to be noticed. Consequently, rodents look for dark, secluded, seldom-used spaces inside buildings where they are unlikely to be disturbed. These spaces share many of the same qualities with the nesting sites that rodents choose in the wild. For instance, the cavity beneath a rock or a hollow tree represents excellent nesting habitat as does an abandoned animal burrow.
When indoors, rodents may be found nesting in wall voids, soffits, crawl spaces, basements and attics. A drawer, cupboard or closet is a wonderful hiding place, and the rodents also may be living beneath a piece of heavy equipment or a kitchen appliance. A rarely used vehicle presents numerous places to safely nest.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY RODENTS
Rodents are among the most destructive pests because they use their sharp teeth and claws on every surface and item that they encounter.
The behavior may begin as the rodent seeks access to a building. Even the tiniest crack or gap may be enlarged with teeth and claws, making it possible to get inside. Common building materials like siding, wood, masonry, bricks, and clay all are susceptible. Rats and mice also gnaw on documents, books, textiles, furniture, storage cartons, carpets, draperies and more.
Electrical wiring frequently is damaged by rodent infestations, resulting in unexplained outages and perhaps even fires.
ARE RODENTS AGGRESSIVE?
Rodents know that people are predators, so they try to keep out of their way. However, encounters become more likely as the rodent population grows. Aggressive behavior may be observed, particularly if the animal feels that it is trapped and cannot get away. This is when bites and scratches are most likely to happen.
DO RODENTS CARRY DISEASE?
Each rodent is potentially infected with dozens of diseases, many of which can be transmitted to people via direct contact with the animal, waste products left behind by the rodent or parasites that reside on the mouse or rat.
Food poisoning is the most likely illness. Most cases are unpleasant but not necessarily serious. Still, it is wise to take steps to end the infestation and disinfect food preparation and eating surfaces to guard against this problem.
Some of the illnesses that are spread by rodents include Hantavirus, rat-bite fever, Lyme disease and the plague.
HOW TO DETECT RODENTS
Signs of a rodent infestation include the following:
• Rustling sounds behind walls or above ceilings • Grease marks on walls • Signs of gnawing or scratching on various surfaces • Rodent footprints observed in dusty surfaces • Rodent droppings, especially when found indoors
HOW TO PREVENT RODENTS
To help protect against rodent problems the following measures should be taken:
• Frequently clean garbage cans • Clean up spills and crumbs • Upgrade to pest-proof food storage containers • Seal up all cracks and gaps in building exteriors • Get rid of indoor and outdoor clutter
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 Ewing area home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
