Rodent Identification & Prevention

Rodents are mammals with front incisors on their top and bottom jaw that grow continuously throughout their lives. Rodents make up the largest group of mammals and live worldwide.

Most species of rodents live well away from people, are not considered pests, and are a vital part of the ecosystem. However, some types of rodents have become pests because they have adapted to living with people. The three species that most frequently invade our homes, damage our property, and create health risks are house mice, Norway rats, and roof rats. 

Rodents are not just a nuisance to have in your home; they pose significant dangers to your family, the structure of your home, and your personal belongings. The biggest concern with a rodent infestation is that these animals carry and spread diseases that make people sick. Illnesses spread by rodents include hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella. The build-up of rodent urine and feces causes unpleasant odors and emits allergens into the air.

Rodents are very destructive pests. They use their sharp front incisors to chew through items to make entry and exit points, gather nesting materials, and forage for food. Inside our homes, rodents damage wires, cables, drywall, flooring, clothing, bedding, furniture, and more. Rodent damage is time-consuming and costly to repair.

Like any living creature, rodents prefer to live in places that are comfortable. Why nest outside under a cold, wet rock when you can build a nest in a warm, dry attic? Rodents become a problem in our homes because we provide them with comfort, warmth, and access to food and water. Our homes protect rodents from harsh weather and predators and provide a safe place to raise their babies.

Rodents are agile animals and can problem-solve, making keeping these pests out of our homes difficult. They will move indoors through cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, and holes in the roofline. Vents, chimneys, and openings around utilities are other common entry points.

One of the most important things to note is that mice and rats compete for their resources; therefore, it is very unlikely to have both mice and rats in your home simultaneously.

Rodents live where their basic needs can be most easily met, so they have adapted to living with people. Our yards and homes offer mice and rats dependable food and water sources.

Outside, mice and rats hang out in areas that protect them from the elements and predators. Roof rats prefer to live up off the ground and nest in tall shrubs, trees, vines, and the roofs of buildings. The Norway rat prefers to stay at ground level, burrowing under woodpiles, dense vegetation, and building foundations. Mice are small and agile and will make any dark, secluded crevice into a nesting spot.

Rodents are naturally shy, reclusive creatures, and because they are prey animals, they like to stay out of sight. When in our homes, they do their best to avoid people. Common indoor rodent nesting sites include wall voids, chimneys, attics, basements, crawl spaces, and the areas behind large appliances and furniture.

Get rid of rodents by reaching out and partnering with a professional. Professionals will be able to accurately identify the type of rodent that is in your home, find their nesting locations, remove them from your home, and provide ongoing services to keep them from returning. Explorer Pest Management is committed to our customers and offers exceptional customer service and customizable rodent control solutions. To learn more about the benefits of choosing us for your rodent control needs, contact one of our helpful and courteous professionals today.

Preventing rodent problems begins by taking away sources of food and shelter that can initially attract them to your yard. The fewer rodents in your yard, the fewer will find their way into your home.

• Maintain vegetable gardens and fruit trees, regularly harvesting and picking up any fruits or vegetables that fall to the ground. 
• Store trash out of reach in cans with locking lids.
• Keep grill areas and outdoor eating areas free of food debris.
• Clean up clutter from your yard that can provide harborage sites.
• Keep grass cut short and shrubs and trees well-pruned. 

If rodents do ever find their way to your property, we are here to help. Learn more about our pest control services in Sacramento by reaching out to Explorer Pest Management today.