Rodents, while unwelcome in the home, may not seem like much of a threat at first. After all, some rodents are common domestic pets, like hamsters, Guinea pigs and gerbils. But if you notice mice or rats outside your house, there could be more potential hazards than you realize. Learn about rodents and how to rid your home of unwelcome guests in the Pest Library from the pros at MosquitoNix®.
Description
Rodents comprise about 40% of all the mammals on the planet. There are some 1,500 species of rodents, including beavers, marmots, chipmunks, squirrels, woodchucks, prairie dogs, porcupines and voles. Rabbits are not classified as rodents, having different teeth and skeletal structures. The most common rodents viewed as pests are mice and rats. Though these creatures vary widely in body size and habitat, they all share the characteristic of a large pair of incisor teeth on both the upper and lower jaw that grow continuously, and must be maintained by gnawing.
Most rodents are plant eaters, though some will eat anything, including insects and their own young in certain situations. Many are solitary creatures, like the porcupine, but some are social and thrive in large colonies, such as prairie dogs, mice and the South American capybara - which is also the world's largest living rodent. Lifespans vary according to a rodent's size, with mice living two to three years and capybaras up to 10 years. Many rodents are an important food source for predators like owls and coyotes.
Breeding Habits
Rodents are mammals, so females gestate a fetus in their uterus and give birth to live young. Both rats and mice are capable of producing over 50 pups per year. In fact, a single pair of rats could produce up to 15,000 young in about one year, or about 17 litters.
Geography
Rodents occupy all continents but Antarctica, and lemmings tunnel under the tundra of some Arctic regions. Flying squirrels live their entire lives in the tree canopy of South American forests and others live in mountainous areas, near rivers or in the open plains of the Midwest. Rodents are capable of getting inside homes through small cracks and openings and will gravitate toward houses seeking food, water and warmth, especially during colder months. They often nest in quiet, dark spaces like attics and basements, under porches or inside wall voids.
Solutions for Rodents in Your Home
Though rodents are easy to spot when out in the open, they often stay near their nest and can live in your home for quite some time undetected. Sealing up holes is one of the key steps for preventing a rodent infestation. It's important to note that, due to their unique build, rodents can squeeze through holes and cracks that look far too small for them to fit through. You should make sure kitchen garbage is kept in a container with a tight-fitting lid and avoid leaving out food scraps or crumbs, which they will be attracted to.
Even if you've taken these precautions, it's wise to watch for signs of an infestation. This may include the presence of rodent droppings, chewed holes in walls and floors, chewed food packaging or evidence of nesting materials like shredded paper or dried leaves and mulch.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to get rid of a rodent infestation on your own. Because mice and rats may be carriers of disease and can contaminate food, you should avoid handling them and leave the work to a professional instead. MosquitoNix can help you get rid of rodents for good with our specialized pest control services. Contact us today to get a quote online and learn more about how we can help make your home free of mice, rats and other rodents.
FAQs:
How do you know if rodents are in your home?
The biggest giveaway to knowing you have rodents in your home is finding their droppings. They are about a quarter of an inch long and dark in color, so they aren't too hard to miss. You will find them in cupboards, drawers, under your sink and by food sources.
Other than that, shredded paper or fabrics, chewed cardboard, drywall or wood are signs they have found their way inside.
Where do rodents hide in your home?
The common spots to look for rodents like mice in your home are in the basement, attic, crawlspace or in your cabinets. Think of spots in your home that stay cool, like behind your appliances, in closets or in the pantry.
How do you take care of rodents?
Rodents won't go away on their own, and if they get too comfortable, you will have a whole mice colony living with you. Traps are the biggest way people get rid of mice and other rodents once they are inside the home. If you can't deal with traps because you have children or pets that may be hurt by them, calling in professionals needs to be a priority.
How do you prevent rodents from entering your home?
Sealing all points of entry is a huge step in keeping mice and other rodents out of your home. Use roof cement or caulk to fix and seal all holes and cracks in your floors, walls and around the foundation. If your doors have gaps at the bottom, install metal door sweeps and use metal flushing for any windows that have extra space.
You could spray a mixture with essential oil scents like peppermint, lavender, citronella or eucalyptus, which rodents and a lot of insects do not like. Make sure to clean regularly and keep all food in containers with lids.