Rodents

The Tiny Invaders With
Big Consequences

Get Started Today

Rodents are small mammals that might look cute at first glance, but they can be a serious problem when they get into your home or business. These include, but are not limited to, rats, mice, and squirrels. One thing all rodents have in common is their strong, sharp front teeth that never stop growing. Because of this, they have to chew constantly on just about anything they can find — wood, plastic, cardboard, and even electrical wires.
While rodents are a part of nature, and have their place in the wild, they become dangerous when they move into human spaces. In this blog post, we’ll explore what rodents are, the problems they cause, how to recognize them, and how to prevent them from taking over your home.

What Are Rodents?

Rodents are mammals that can be found all over the world. There are more than 2,000 species of rodents, and they make up about 40% of all mammals. Some rodents live in forests, fields, and deserts. Others have adapted to city life and live near humans. The most common rodents found in homes include:

  • House mice: Small and gray with big ears and a long tail. They are great at hiding and squeezing through tiny spaces.
  • Norway rats: Larger and heavier, with brown fur. They are strong swimmers and diggers.
  • Roof rats: Slim and black, with excellent climbing skills. They often live in trees or attics.

 

Contact us today to get started!

Problems
Caused by Rodents

Rodents may seem harmless, but they bring several serious problems into homes and businesses.

1. Disease Carriers

Rodents are known to carry many diseases that can be passed on to humans. These diseases can spread through rodent droppings, urine, saliva, or bites. In some cases, simply breathing in air contaminated with rodent waste can make people sick.

2. Property Damage

Because of their constant need to chew, rodents often damage:

  • Electrical wiring, which can lead to fires
  • Walls and insulation
  • Furniture and clothing
  • Pipes and plastic containers

 

They may also build nests inside walls, attics, or basements using shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.

3. Food Contamination

Rodents will go wherever they can find food. They often get into pantries, chewing through boxes and bags to eat cereal, grains, and pet food. Any food they touch is no longer safe to eat.

4. Reproduction Speed

One of the biggest problems with rodents is how fast they reproduce. A single pair of mice can produce dozens of babies in just a few months. If you don’t deal with a rodent problem quickly, it can get out of hand fast.

Signs You Might Have a Rodent Problem

Even if you don’t see a rodent, they often leave signs behind. Watch out for:

  • Small (rice grain, or tic tac sized), dark droppings
  • Chewed packaging or furniture
  • Scratch marks on walls or floors
  • Nests made of shredded materials
  • Squeaking or scratching noises in the walls or attic
  • Greasy, discolored rub marks along baseboards or walls

 

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action. Contact us today to get started!

How to Prevent Rodents

Keeping rodents out of your home is easier than getting rid of them once they’re inside. Here are some tips to prevent them from becoming a problem:

1. Seal Entry Points
Rodents can squeeze through tiny openings. Use caulk, steel wool, or metal mesh to seal cracks and holes in walls, around pipes, and near doors and windows.

2. Store Food Properly
Keep all food, including pet food, in sealed containers. Clean up crumbs and spills right away.

3. Take Out the Trash.
Don’t let trash sit in your home or garage for too long. Use trash cans with tight lids and empty them regularly.

4. Keep It Clean
Rodents are attracted to clutter and mess. Keep your home clean and organized. Sweep floors, wash dishes, and wipe down surfaces every day.

5. Eliminate Water Sources
Fix leaky pipes or faucets. Don’t leave water in sinks or pet bowls overnight.

What to Do If You Have Rodents

If you discover a rodent problem, don’t ignore it. There are a few steps you can take:

  • Set traps in places where you’ve seen signs of activity. Snap traps, glue traps, and live traps are all options.
  • Use bait carefully, and according to the label,  and keep it away from kids and pets.
  • Call a pest control professional if the problem is too big to handle on your own.

 

A trained technician can inspect your home, find where the rodents are nesting, and get rid of them safely.

Final Thoughts

Rodents might be small, but the problems they cause are huge. They can damage your home, spread diseases, and quickly grow in numbers. The best way to protect your family and your property is to stay alert, keep your home clean and sealed, and act fast if you see any signs of rodents. If you’re ever unsure or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control expert.

With the right steps, you can keep rodents out of your home — and your life.