Among the most frightening and dangerous of pest problems for Philadelphia area homes and businesses is that of a rodent infestation which requires a swift and unequivocal response. This is because these infestations rarely involve just one animal. Instead, there may be dozens more lurking behind the scenes.
With rapid reproduction rates, strong instincts for survival and adaptations that allow them to thrive in almost any environment, rodents are a cause for concern among property owners. Species such as the deer mouse, house mouse, white-footed mouse, roof rat, Norway rat and wood rat all are known to seek food and shelter in human habitations.
When they come indoors, these species wreak havoc, destroying property and spreading illness wherever they go. The only way that people can be certain that the infestation is eradicated is through the services of a licensed pest management professional.
WHAT DO RODENTS LOOK LIKE?
Deer mice are named for the color of their fur, which resembles that of a deer. The gray or reddish-brown fur on their backs is accented by white fur on their bellies. With rounded bodies, deer mice may measure as much as nine inches from the nose to the tip of the tail.
The smaller, sleeker house mouse may only measure about four inches in total. Their hair-covered bodies may be either brown or black.
With its belly and feet covered in bright white fur, it is easy to see where the white-footed mouse gets its name. Relatively close in size to the deer mouse, the white-footed mouse has reddish-brown fur on its back.
A bulky body and shaggy gray or brown fur are distinguishing characteristics of the roof rat. With ears and tails that are covered by scaly skin, this species can grow to be as long as 16 inches.
While Norway rats may measure almost the same size as roof rats, they can be distinguished by their smooth gray or brown fur and their slenderer bodies. Like the roof rat, the Norway rat has a tail and ears that are covered with scaly skin.
Sometimes called packrats, wood rats are differentiated from other rats by their bushy, squirrel-like tail, dark brown fur and rounded ears.
WHAT DO RODENTS EAT?
Omnivorous rodents are capable of eating almost anything in order to survive. While living outdoors, they appear to prefer items such as nuts, seeds and grains, but other things like fungus, bark, leaves and blooms all may be consumed. Necessary protein is derived from eating insects and arthropods while some larger rodent species also may devour smaller rodents and other mammals.
With this wide range of potential food sources, it is not surprising that kitchens and pantries are extremely attractive to rodents. These pests will gnaw their way into any food that is packaged in paper or plastic. Produce that is stored on counters is irresistible, and even small spills and crumbs will be eaten. The rodents' appetite for human food includes meat, fruit, vegetables, bread, crackers, peanut butter, desserts and juices.
WHERE DO RODENTS LIVE?
Occupying almost every continent and climate zone, rodents are particularly well-suited to the relatively mild local climate. Rodents living outdoors are likely to use a burrow that was abandoned by another animal, though some individuals will construct their own burrow. These burrows frequently are at least partially concealed by the roots of a tree, a fallen log or a boulder.
Rodents may decide to live in suburban or even urban areas where they can find appropriate habitat. A tree or woodpile in someone's yard may provide the ideal conditions. Nests also may be located beneath a deck or an outdoor stairway. A spot in the lawn where the grass is sparse or a flower bed also may provide a good place for a burrow.
When rodents come indoors, they look for secluded, dark spots in which to nest. Nests have been discovered beneath large kitchen appliances and in the back of cupboards and drawers. People are sometimes surprised to find a nest right in the pantry or in a piece of upholstered furniture. Frequently, fibrous materials like shredded insulation and fabric, hair, fur and leaves are brought to the nest.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY RODENTS
Rodent teeth grow without stopping throughout their lifetime, leading to a necessity for constant gnawing. Using their teeth, rodents will exacerbate any small hole or crack in a building exterior with the hope of gaining entrance. Once inside, the gnawing continues on everything from sheetrock and building frames to sheets and towels. Rodents cause damage to door and window frames as well as clothing, books, documents and furniture.
Gnawing on electrical wiring can lead to outages and fires. Rodents similarly gnaw on plumbing pipes, which can turn into serious leaks that are expensive to repair.
ARE RODENTS AGGRESSIVE?
Although some rodents are quite small, any of them may react with aggression if they feel threatened. Whether a rodent is cornered intentionally or accidentally is immaterial. These animals will react with biting and scratching. They also will do everything they can to escape, and an encounter with a person may only force the rodents further into the building's structure, rather than convincing them to leave.
DO RODENTS CARRY DISEASE?
Known to carry more than 40 diseases, rodents have earned their reputation as the most feared of pest infestations. Sometimes, people get sick after being scratched or bitten by an infected rodent. However, it is critical to understand that one-on-one contact with a rodent is not required to get sick. Contact with rodent waste products is all that is needed, and the ticks and fleas that frequently infest rodents also spread illnesses to people.
Diseases like Hantavirus, bubonic-plague and rat-bite fever are among the most life-threatening ones that rodents spread. However, it is far more common for people to develop food poisoning symptoms when an infestation is underway. Rodents contaminate not only food preparation surfaces but also the human foods that they infest. People who experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may be suffering from food poisoning.
HOW TO DETECT RODENTS
When these signs are present, rodent control may be necessary:
• Seeing gnaw marks on exterior and interior surfaces • Grease marks on walls and baseboards • Squeaking and rustling sounds behind walls • Small droppings on floors and counters • Seeing living or dead rodents
HOW TO PREVENT RODENTS
People who take these steps are less likely to see rodent infestations:
• Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher instead of the sink • Immediately clean up crumbs and spills • Store food in glass or metal containers with lids • Ensure that garbage cans are clean and have 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 Philadelphia area home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
