Few pest problems are as serious as those that are presented by rodents. These furry, four-footed mammals are small, but they have an outsized effect on the properties that they infest. Causing destruction and spreading illness wherever they go, it is critical that homeowners work quickly to take control of rodent infestations.
White-footed mice, house mice, deer mice, Norway rats, roof rats and woodrats all infest homes and offices in Warminster. The problems that they cause are never inconsequential, and with the potential for illness to spread among people who visit the property, all such infestations must be attended to by a professional exterminator.
WHAT DO RODENTS LOOK LIKE?
White-footed mice generally are brownish or grayish, and they may exhibit a darker stripe on the middorsal line. The underside of these rodents is white, especially the feet, but a tan or buff spot may be found on the chest. Like the body, the tail is bicolored. It may make up as much as half the length of the mouse's body. Short, dark hair covers the mouse's ears.
The common house mouse has a small body, large ears and tiny black eyes. Coloration typically is gray or light brown, and adults measure between five and seven inches, including a tail that may be three to four inches long.
On the deer mouse, the top of the body is covered in gray fur, but the stomach is white. Like the white-footed mouse, this species has a bicolored tail that is lighter on the bottom than it is on the top. The oversized ears have sparse fur, and the bulging eyes are black. Most adults are just over seven inches long and weigh about 21 grams.
Norway rats mainly are brown with a few black hairs scattered amongst the brown fur. On the underside, these rats are yellowish-white or gray. With a heavy body and fur that is coarse and shaggy, this rodent usually measures between seven and nine inches and a tail that is nearly as long. The eyes and ears are small.
Roof rats are most frequently black, though they also may be brown. They are a couple of inches smaller than Norway rats, and their fur is smooth and soft. Black, gray or white are common colors for their bellies. Their eyes and ears are large and they have pointed noses and scaly tails.
Sometimes called trade rats or pack rats, woodrats also are similar in size to Norway rats. However, their tails are furry instead of scaly. Woodrats are covered in fine, soft fur and have oversized ears. Their feet and bellies typically are a lighter shade than their black or brown backs.
WHAT DO RODENTS EAT?
Mice are most likely to eat items like insects, seed, mast and fruit. While mice are known to eat a variety of cereal grains, they are likely to try all sorts of edible items that they encounter. Thanks to keen senses of smell and taste, mice are extremely adept at getting into kitchens and pantries where food is plentiful.
Rats are capable of surviving on an enormous range of foods. In a scientific study, researchers discovered that rats may have as many as 4,000 unique food items in their stomachs. This variability is one of the things that has allowed rats to thrive around the world. Rats are known to eat other rodents as well as chicks, lizards and fish. Frequently, they will feed on food that people have discarded, and many will make their way into cupboards where they eat pasta, nuts, seeds and anything else that is edible.
WHERE DO RODENTS LIVE?
Many predators like to make meals out of rodents, so these mammals adopt nesting sites that are secluded and quiet. In general, rodents prefer a dark environment as well. Darkness does not bother them because their keen senses allow them to navigate with ease.
Many rodents will nest inside another animal's abandoned burrow, but a hollow log or a depression beneath a large stone or tree will serve as well.
Houses provide rodents with everything they need to thrive including food, water and warmth. Accordingly, rodent nests commonly are discovered in the empty spaces below major appliances, beneath the subfloor, in the attic, in wall voids or even in the pantry. Rodents also look for cluttered areas in which to nest, so any indoor or outdoor spot where litter has accumulated may provide ideal nesting habitat.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY RODENTS
One of the rodent's most prominent characteristics is its teeth. These grow throughout the animal's lifetime, and controlling this growth is essential to survival. Accordingly, the teeth are a means of self-defense and the rodent's most important tool.
The teeth are used to gnaw through virtually anything including drywall, siding and roofing tiles. People sometimes discover that rodents have gnawed through electrical wires and plastic plumbing pipes or that the insulation in the wall or attic has been shredded. Towels, sheets, clothing, books, documents and upholstered furniture all may be destroyed.
Rodents indiscriminately leave their waste products wherever they roam. This can cause homes to develop a terrible odor, and regular exposure to these toxins can make people sick.
ARE RODENTS AGGRESSIVE?
Rodents are nocturnal creatures, and this minimizes the risk of encountering people. When confrontations occur, the rodent is most likely to try to run away. A cornered rodent will absolutely scratch and bite to get away from a perceived threat. Combined with abilities to jump and climb, a rodent attack can be fierce and dangerous.
DO RODENTS CARRY DISEASE?
Approximately four dozen illnesses are known to be transmitted by the various rodent species. Food poisoning is by far the most common threat, with many people who live or work in infested buildings being bothered by fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Until the infestation is eliminated and the home is disinfected, these problems are likely to recur.
Rodents may spread diseases to people in numerous ways. These include bites and scratches as well as food and surface contamination. However, simply breathing air that is contaminated by rodent waste products may be enough to make people ill. Some of the most serious sicknesses that are associated with rodents include Lyme disease, plague, Hantavirus and rat-bite fever.
HOW TO DETECT RODENTS
Indications of a rodent problem include:
• Gnaw marks found anywhere in the house • Grease marks on walls • Rodent droppings in the home's interior • Nests found inside homes • Squeaking and rustling sounds from behind walls
HOW TO PREVENT RODENTS
To help reduce rodent issues the following steps should be taken:
• Do not place dirty dishes in the sink • Immediately wipe up crumbs • Store all food in metal or glass containers • Keep garbage cans clean • Put tight lids on garbage cans • Keep rodents out by sealing up cracks in building exteriors
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 Warminster area home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
