Rodents

Rodents are warm-blooded animals that can be found all over the world. They have large front teeth that they can use for gnawing and check teeth that can be used for chewing. They can chew on whatever is available to them, so they can cause a great deal of damage both in and around your home. Rodents can spread over 30 different diseases, which can be directly transmitted to humans by handling them or by making contact with their urine, feces, or saliva. Rodent bites can also cause you to become infected.

The Differences Between Mice and Rats

Rats are larger than mice, with larger heads and feet. They also have coarser fur. Mice are curious, while rats tend to be more cautious. Norway rats will be found in burrows and in the lower levels of your home, while roof rats prefer to settle in the upper areas of a property. The house mouse is 1/2 to 1 ounce in size and has a slender body. Their ears are large, and their tails are as long as their heads and bodies put together. Mouse fur is usually dark gray on the back and light gray on the belly, but their color combinations can vary.

The roof rat is 5-9 ounces and has a sleek body, while the Norway rat is larger and more robust (with a weight of about 7-18 ounces). Roof rats are often mistaken for house mice, because young roof rats have larger heads and feet relative to their bodies (which are more slender). Mouse droppings are typically 1/4 of an inch long and have a rod-like shape. Roof rat droppings have a rod or spindle shape with an average length of 1/2 of an inch. The larger Norway rats have droppings that are about 3/4 of an inch in length and are shaped like capsules.

Identifying an Infestation of Rodents

You may never notice an infestation of rodents until it becomes severe, so you should look for the following warning signs:

• Rodent droppings around packages of food, in your drawers or cupboards, and under your sink.
• Nesting materials (such as shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter).
• Signs of chewing on food packages.
• Chewed holes through walls and floors that they use as points of entry.
• Stale smells coming from hidden areas.

You can discourage them from settling into your home by removing any food and water, as well as any items that they can use as shelter.

Preventing an Infestation of Rodents

Here are some things you can do to prevent a rodent infestation in your home:

• Seal any holes both inside and outside your home to keep rodents out.
• Remove any potential nesting sites for rodents, including any leaf piles or deep mulch.
• Clean up any food and water sources in and around your home.
• Keep any kitchen garbage located in and around your home inside containers.
• Turn compost piles to cover any newly-added food scraps.
• Stop feeding outdoor birds while you’re controlling an infestation of rodents, except for huskless items that leave less residue (which can be a food source for rodents).

If you have an infestation of rodents in your home, it’s important to seek the help of a professional. If you’re looking for a team of qualified people to do pest control in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Bug Busters Pest Control.