Rodents
Unlike cartoon characters, real mice and rats are not cute or cuddly.
They're dirty and destructive, contaminating food supplies, chewing through
electrical wires, and fouling areas with their trash and wastes. In addition,
adult rats can be very aggressive and have been known to bite people.
The pest control experts at Terminix
share additional information on their habits and what you can do to avoid
attracting rodents.
Types of Rodents
Mice: Mice are the smaller species,
with bodies rarely exceeding two inches in length and one ounce in weight.
Most are gray, but may appear darker. Mice are most likely to enter your
home during the fall and winter, when outdoor food sources become scarce.
Mice are excellent climbers, and may enter your home through vents, soffits,
cracks, and small holes. In fact, an adult mouse can fit through a hole
no bigger than the diameter of a pencil.
Rats: Rats are larger, and may
reach one foot in length and one pound in weight. Their color ranges from
gray to brown to black. They are found in mostly rural or urban areas,
and are less likely to enter your home because of their larger size. However,
they will often live in areas around your house in harborages such as
woodpiles, stacks of brick or stones, and piles of leaves and other debris.
Pest Prevention
Mice and rats will eagerly seek out places to live and breed. Here are
a few tips to reduce your chances of an infestation:
- Store firewood away from the house and off the ground.
- Remove piles of debris, stones, bricks, etc.
- Do not allow piles of leaves to accumulate near your home's foundation.
- Stuff holes and cracks larger than 1/4 inch with steel wool and wire mesh. Seal with caulk or foam.
- Install thick weather stripping on the bottom of all doors. Garage
doors are very difficult to seal completely, so it's especially important
to seal the door from the garage to the house.
Ridding Your Home of Rats & Mice
Exterminating rodents is more than just a job for the family cat. A pest
control service professional will use a combination of commercial traps
and preventive measures to eleminate these pests, and, depending on rodent
types, other means may be required to keep rodents out.
To help rid your home of rats and mice, schedule a free pest evaluation from the experts at Terminix.
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To help rid your home of rats and mice, schedule a free pest
evaluation from the experts at Terminix.
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