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Rodents
Houston and its surrounding suburbs are known for certain species of rodents, such as deer mice, house mice, roof rats and Norwegian rats. These critters all thrive in our area especially in and around residences and/or businesses due to the easy access to water, food and shelter. No one wants to discover one day that a rodent has decided to move into their home. Being aware of these five different kinds of rodents and the indications you may have a problem can help you keep your home rodent-free.
Telltale Signs Of Rodent Activity
Although you may never see a mouse or rat unless an infestation is severe, look for signs of rat or mouse infestation:
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Rodent droppings around food packages, in drawers or cupboards, and under the sink
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Nesting material such as shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter
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Signs of chewing on food packaging
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Holes chewed through walls and floors that create entry points into the home
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Stale smells coming from hidden areas
The Most Common Rodent Species In Our Area
Deer Mice
Deer mice are brown with lighter colored feet and underbellies. They range anywhere from five to eight inches long, and nest outdoors in places like old fence posts, tree logs, or piles of debris; however, when it gets colder, deer mice are known to invade homes. You’re most likely to find them in attics, but if they move farther inside your home, you can find them nesting in storage boxes, drawers and wall voids.
Deer mice are known to carry diseases such as Hantavirus. If you see mouse droppings, hear scurrying sounds at night in your attic, or notice teeth marks around your home, you may have a problem. Because they carry disease, it’s best to contact a professional such as Grand Slam Pest Control to handle them.
House Mice
House mice, also known as field mice, are the most commonly encountered and economically important of the commensal rodents They are slightly smaller than deer mice and have a grayish brown coat. They can fit through holes as little as a dime, making it easy for them to enter homes through small cracks or crevices. They typically venture insides in search of food, leading them to be found around trash cans and pantries. They also like to chew through electrical wiring and insulation which can potentially cause thousands of dollars in damage.
House mice breed rapidly and can adapt quickly to changing conditions. In fact, a female house mouse can give birth to a half dozen babies every three weeks and can produce up to 35 young per year
Roof Rat
Roof rats get their name because they tend to take shelter on roofs or in attics They are dark brown or black in color with a contrasting lighter underbelly or black underbelly. Roof rats can grow to be 16 inches in length including their tail. They have large ears, a tail that is longer than their body and a pointed nose.
Like house mice, these rodents like to chew electrical wiring and insulation, which can spark a fire or cause severe structural damage to your home. If you hear scurrying in your roof or attic, you should contact a pest control professional.
Norwegian Rats (Norway Rat)
Norwegian rats, also known as sewer rats, are shorter but weigh more than their cousin the roof rat. They can reach up to nine inches in length and have brown fur with black specks.
Norwegian rats are not skilled climbers and therefore will be found inhabiting mostly first floors of structures. They are, however, adapt at swimming and can be found in areas where there is moisture or water
If you suspect you may have a rodent problem or infestation we strongly encourage you to contact a professional pest control company such as Grand Slam Pest Control. DIY treatments, such as the use of poison, can lead to negative effects on the environment and health concerns if used improperly. Contact us TODAY to schedule your free consultation and estimate and leave the rodents to us!!