Rodent Control Rodents can cause destruction, disease, and danger.
ABOUT RODENTS
It may begin with the discovery of a nest or seeing a mouse scurrying out of sight. Either way, it is sufficient reason to panic. A rodent infestation can be a critical threat to both health and property for Bristol residents, making prompt treatment imperative.
Professional rodent control is the only reliable way to put a swift end to rodent infestations that involve species such as the deer mouse, white footed mouse, house mouse, Norway rat and roof rat. Acting quickly is the best way to ensure that the property's occupants are not unduly exposed to contaminants and that the structural integrity of buildings is protected.
Rodents have sharp teeth and relatively strong jaws. Because their teeth continuously grow, they must gnaw to keep them in check. Accordingly, rodents gnaw through a variety of materials that are used in the construction of human habitations. When an infestation is allowed to continue for an extended period, the damage caused may be significant.
Moreover, rodents are notorious for their propensity to spread illness to people and pets. These unclean animals also leave a trail of filth wherever they roam, compromising the cleanliness of human homes. Because of the structural damage they cause and the diseases they carry, it is vital that rodent infestations be eliminated with all possible speed.
APPEARANCE
Deer mice grow to a maximum of 8.75" including their tails. They feature gray or reddish-brown fur, and their bodies are round.
At 3.75" inches, house mice are far smaller. Their coloration is either black or brown while their stomachs are covered with white hair.
The white-footed mouse is similar in size to the deer mouse. They also have reddish-brown fur on their backs. However, their feet and stomachs are noticeably whiter.
The stocky, bulky roof rat measures an astonishing 16". While their ears and tail are covered in scales, the bodies are covered in shaggy brown or gray fur.
Norway rats are a similar length, but they are far sleeker. Like the roof rat, their fur may be brown or gray, but it is smoother.
Woodrats are approximately half the size of the other common rats in the region. Their entire bodies, including their tails and ears, are covered in dark brown fur.
DIET
As omnivorous pests, rodents may eat almost anything. Staple foods include seeds, nuts, grains and insects. All of these items also may be eaten in human habitations. In addition, rodents will eat peanut butter, bread, fruits, vegetables, jam, meat and any other edible item that is not properly stored.
HABITATS
Rodents must seek dark, secluded habitats in which they are less likely to be seen. In the wild, this typically means using underground burrows.
When rodents enter human habitations, they look for nesting sites that will afford a similar level of protection while also providing ready access to food and water. Accordingly, rodent nests are most likely to be found in the vicinity of kitchens. They may be placed in the back of cupboards or drawers. Beneath major appliances and inside pantries are other likely places.
PROBLEMS WITH RODENTS
Rodents have incisors that never stop growing. This forces them to chew or gnaw on everything. Consequently, rats and mice are among the most destructive pests.
They gnaw on siding, roofing tiles and foundations in an attempt to gain access to buildings. Once indoors, they will chew on wood, sheetrock, furniture, floors and cupboards. Materials such as clothing, books, magazines, linens and insulation are shredded to pad the rodent's nest.
Rodents also chew on electrical lines, causing major appliances to stop working and shorting out lights. Rodent gnawing also has been known to causing plumbing and irrigation leaks.
BEHAVIOR
Rodents are nocturnal animals, which means that they venture out after dark when people are sleeping. Accordingly, they are less likely to be detected. This behavior may change when the infestation is large. Then, rodents may emerge in daylight to seek food as competition is fierce.
Preferring not to come into contact with people, whom they see as predators, rats and mice are likely to run away when confronted. If they are cornered, they may defend themselves aggressively using their teeth and claws. Any bites or scratches must be treated by a medical professional.
When rodents have the shelter, warmth, water and food that human habitations provide, they thrive. This leads them to reproduce with incredible speed, exacerbating the infestation so that it is more difficult to eliminate.
HEALTH ISSUES
Medical researchers estimate that rodents may be capable of transmitting as many as 35 diseases to people. In fact, this is one of the reasons why it is imperative for people to act quickly when they suspect a rodent infestation. Doing so lessens their exposure to potentially serious or even fatal diseases.
Handling a rodent, whether living or dead, may lead to an illness, and a bite or a scratch similarly can make the victim sick. A person who is exposed to the waste products and saliva of rodents similarly may become ill.
Many rodents are infested with ticks, fleas and mites. These tiny creatures may be responsible for even more diseases. Respiratory problems are caused by breathing air that is dirty from rodent droppings and urine while food poisoning is a common illness from consuming contaminated food.
Rodents are responsible for the spread of Hantavirus, plague, tularemia and Lyme disease among various other conditions. Immediate medical condition is needed for any unexplained symptoms.
SIGNS OF A RODENT INFESTATION
Rodent control may be necessary when the following signs are present:
• Pets appear agitated for no obvious reason • Grease marks are evident on walls • Teeth marks are discovered on walls, furniture and other items • Rodent nesting material is found in dark, secluded places • Rodent droppings are discovered • Smells of urine permeate a room • Sounds of rustling and squeaking coming from behind walls
PREVENTION TIPS
Rodent control may be prevented needed when these precautions are taken:
-Keep lawns at a shorter height -Do not allow trees and shrubs to touch buildings -Eliminate clutter from building exteriors -Repair holes and cracks in exterior walls and foundations -Keep garbage cans clean and place tight lids on them -Quickly wipe away spills and crumbs -Regularly vacuum floors -Use only glass or metal containers with lids to store food
RODENT CONTROL
Determining the difference between a mouse and a rat is a homeowner’s main dilemma where extermination is concerned. That is because species identification can play a crucial role in successfully eliminating a rodent problem.
Additionally, DIY treatment methods often fail because they are not powerful enough or because they are not used properly.
A licensed rodent exterminator has a variety of techniques to end the infestation. These include methods of excluding rodents from re-entering the building as well as traps and chemical control.
If you suspect a rodent control issue in your Bristol home or office, call the professional team of licensed exterminators at SafeGuard Pest Control, LLC today.
