Rodent Identification

What are rodents?

Invading homes and business whenever they please, invading rodents are a frustrating pest problem to have. Rodents have adapted well to living with people and learned how to make the most of living in our yards and structures.

Rodents are mammals and have great species diversity. There are over 1,500 species of rodents living worldwide with the house mouse, field mouse, and Norway rat examples of those living in our region. Rodents are a common threat and cause us many problems, including being annoying, dangerous, and destructive.

All rodents have front incisors that continuously grow throughout their life. To prevent overgrowing, they continuously chew objects they come across, which is the main reason they are such destructive pests.

Are rodents dangerous?

While rodents are one of the most annoying pests to deal with, they are also dangerous. After moving into your home, they create a laundry list of problems, including:

• Contaminating food and surfaces with excrement
• Spreading bacteria, disease-causing pathogens, and parasites
• Causing an unpleasant musty odor around nesting sites
• Chewing on and damaging wires, pipes, drywall, wallpaper, flooring, furniture, clothing, and cabinets
• Damaging cars, lawnmowers, and other equipment

Why do I have a rodent problem?

Simply put, if there is food, they will come, and the “they” we are referring to are rodents. Nothing is more attractive to rodents than a consistent source of food. Our outdoor spaces often offer rodents plenty of foraging options, including trash cans, pet food, outdoor eating areas, gardens, and compost containers.

Properties with lots of shelter for rodents to hide are also desirable to these furry intruders. Yard clutter, fallen trees, dense vegetation, and spaces under decks, foundations, and patios all make great hideouts for rodents.

Where will I find rodents?

Preferring to stay out of sight of people and predators, rodents, choose to nest in quiet, less-traveled areas of a yard or home. Inside, rodents often live in basements, attics, wall voids, behind large appliances, and in the back of cabinets.

If rodents have found a way into your home, they do leave behind signs of their presence. Knowing the signs of a rodent infestation is essential so you can get help to eliminate these pests from your property as quickly as possible.

Some of the most common signs of a rodent problem include:

• Holes or gnaw marks on fruits and vegetables in garden areas.
• Holes or gnaw marks on boxes and food containers.
• Hearing running or scratching sounds behind walls or above ceilings.
• Finding droppings (dark, rice-like in shape) on floors, in drawers, or cabinets.

How do I get rid of rodents?

If you are looking for a long-term solution to your rodent problem, reach out to the professionals at BHB Pest Elimination. Dedicated to maintaining pest-free properties, our professionals work closely with our customers to meet their unique pest control needs. Our professionals will provide the services necessary to get rid of the current rodent problems and stop them from returning. We are committed to not just controlling rodents, but eliminating them! If you would like to learn more about our rodent control services, call us at BHB Pest Elimination today.

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

Let our professionals help you control rodents through our professional home pest control and commercial pest control services, and with the following rodent prevention tips:

• Limit eating to kitchen and dining areas in your home.
• Store food in plastic containers with sealing lids or in the fridge.
• Pick up leftover pet food.
• Rodent-proof the exterior of your structure, sealing any spaces you find.
• Get rid of water sources by repairing leaky pipes, hoses, and clogged gutters.
• Eliminate clutter and debris from both inside and outside of your home.