How to Get Rid of Rodents - MosquitoNix Pest Control
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 rodent, 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 prairies 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 500,000 young in about three years.
Geography
Rodents occupy all continents but Antarctica. Lemmings tunnel under the tundra of some arctic regions. Flying squirrels live their entire lives in the tree canopy of South American forests. 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 also 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 very 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. 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.
Resources:
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-are-rodents.html
https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/mammal/rodentia/rodentia.html
https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/how-quickly-rats-can-breed-terrifying