Rodents are among the types of pests that target homes. They can get inside your house through wall damage and holes. Once inside, they can create several health and environmental problems. To keep your family safe when dealing with a rodent infestation, it’s important to know the kinds of rodents and how to deal with an infestation. Also, do not hesitate to contact a company like Stride Pest Control to help you handle an existing infestation.
Kinds of Rodents
Rodents include mice rats, hamsters, squirrels, and guinea pigs. Mice and rats are the ones that commonly cause most issues in homes.
House mice and deer mice usually appear in the winter. They carry fleas, salmonella, and ticks with them. Also, they can be carriers of bacteria that pose health risks to both humans and pests. Deer mice are often found in garages, crawlspaces, sheds, and attics. They can climb trees adeptly, making hidden spots in your home the ideal locations for them.
Meanwhile, rats also carry different diseases that can harm humans. Norway rats tend to dig into the ground, causing sewage and structural issues. Also, roof rats chew on house areas like wood or wires, creating concerns for electrical fires. As these rodents burrow through home insulation, they can be hard to detect.
Signs of a Roden Infestation and Risks
Your house may be invaded by mice or rats when you see droppings, gnawing damage, rub marks, and debris like snail shells. Also, you may hear sounds in the walls or under floorboards. Your pets may also show more excitable behavior if they can sense the presence of mice or rats in your home.
You do not need to have a rat or mouse bite to contract an illness it carries. But bites from these rodents increase your chances of getting the disease. Rats and mice can spread diseases through the bodily fluids they leave behind as they come into contact with any items in your house.
Managing a Rodent Infestation
Prevention is key to effective rodent control. If an infestation has yet to occur, take some steps to eradicate risks. First, seal up any areas in your home where mice and rats could enter. Check your home’s interior and exterior areas to seal all hidden areas. If there are holes, use caulking and steel wool to seal them. Also, check your home for potential attractants.
Store hay, woodpiles, and garbage cans at least one foot off the ground. If you can, keep woodpiles 100 feet away from your home. In addition, clean up spills and store your food in airtight containers. This is particularly essential if you have pet foods left outside or you tend to cook food in the backyard.
