Rodents: The Four-Legged Pantry Pest

Rodents are one of the most common types of pests to find in the home. They are large and sometimes noisy, and they leave messes wherever they eat, travel or build their nests. Not only that, they often carry disease, damage personal property and raid pantry products. They’re big enough to be noticeable but small enough to fit through tiny holes, cracks, and other entry points to access food and shelter. Mice are even known to hide out in walls.

Mice and rats are the primary types of rodents that infest homes. Their hair or fur is often dirty and greasy, which can leave marks that indicate their presence. They have sharp teeth and claws good for gnawing on and through various substances, and they can give birth to many young multiple times in a short period. These factors and more make them nuisances that are difficult to eradicate.

For more information on rodent pest control, please visit the links below.

Identify

While mice and rats often look similar, there are key differences that can affect where they infest and what they eat. Some questions we can answer to help you identify them include:

  • What are the differences between mice and rats?
  • What are some signs of a mouse or rat infestation?
  • How many common species of mice and rats are there?

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Cause

There are many reasons why mice or rats may be infesting your home. Some questions we can answer to help you determine the reason for their infestation include:

  • What are rodents’ natural habitats and diet patterns?
  • What are some things people do that attract rodents?
  • How do rodents enter homes, businesses and vehicles?

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Treatment

Dealing with a rodent infestation often has some natural first steps with DIY solutions. Some questions we can answer to help you determine what action to take against mice and rats include:

  • Can I actually get rid of rodents myself?
  • Do cats or other pets actually help with getting rid of rodents?
  • Do electronic rodent repellents actually work?

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Health & Safety Problems
Caused By Rodents

Mice and rats are nuisances in more than just eating your food. They can also carry transmittable diseases on their bodies and in their waste, such as:

  • Bacteria-borne diseases like salmonella (causing illness and food poisoning)
  • Rat bite fever
  • Bubonic plague
  • Typhus
  • Hantavirus
  • Various parasites

Rodents also tend to chew on many different kinds of items to gain access to food, like wires, tubes and pipes. Damage to household systems and vehicles that include such things can cost a lot of money to repair. Learn more about the dangers rodents pose.

mouse

Our on-staff entomologyst discusses what you need to know about rodents.




Dodson Pest Management

At Dodson Pest Control, we have multiple ways of controlling rodent infestations, and we offer free inspections. Learn more about our rodent management techniques, and contact us for more information!

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Popular Rodent Posts

Rats vs. Mice

Mice and rats have many similarities, and a few key differences to keep in mind.

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