Have you ever had that unsettling feeling that mice and rats might be sharing your home? You’re not alone. Many homeowners experience this concern, and it’s more than just a minor annoyance. Mice and rats, both belonging to the rodent family, often set up their homes in cozy, undisturbed spots like attics and walls. They’re resourceful little critters, always on the hunt for materials to build their nests, which can include anything from wood and drywall to insulation.
They are also known for chewing on electrical wires. They in fact, are responsible for nearly 20% of unexplained fires in the U.S. each year.
These rodents also cause structural damages, as they chew on anything that appears to be useful to build their nests, such as wood, drywall, paper, and more. They usually build nests in undisturbed areas, such as inside the walls of a home, in the attic, and even drawers that are not constantly used.
Mice and rats can also make you very sick. They carry and spread deceases, such as salmonellosis, listeria, and hantavirus.
Facts About Mice and Rats
- Their teeth never stop growing. Chewing on hard materials is how they keep them trimmed down. That is one of the reason they cause so much damage.
- Mice can start reproducing at only six weeks of age. A female, can get pregnant between 5-10 times a year, and each time she will give birth to 3-14 babies. It takes just a few mice to produce an infestation.
- Rats are significantly bigger than mice, so fewer rats can cause more damage.
- Mice can squeeze down to about a quarter of an inch. That is about the width of a pencil.
Spotting the Infestation
If you have not directly encountered a rat or a mouse there are several signs you can look for to be sure of rodent presence.
Droppings: Mice and rats leave hundreds of droppings around every day. Fresh droppings are a sure sign that there are rodents.
Smell: The urine of these creatures smells strong and musty so it is a good thing to look out for.
Gnawed holes: holes in the walls and other areas in your home that are about the size of a dime for a mouse and a quarter for a rat.
Rodent paths: Oily marks are left on the walls where rodents run along them. They can be found along any barrier.
Noises: Unusual noises like scratching and scampering are important to listen for. Especially at night.
So, What Can You Do to Keep These Rodents Away?
- Eliminate food sources. Keep pet foods sealed. If you have fruit trees, pick up the fruit that falls to the ground. Keep your garbage contained, and floors and countertops clean.
- Seal your home. Eliminate all possible entry points.
- Keep outside doors closed.
If you ever encounter one of these intruders in your home, please take action immediately. Remember, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to get rid of the colony. Feel free to contact us with your specific problems if you need assistance. https://aimvopestcontrol.com/contact/