What are rodents?

What are rodents?

Rodent are classified as pest since they are able to destroy properties, spread diseases and contaminate food. Commensal rodents which are the most common specie of rodents found very close to human habitation in the United States include deer mice, roof rats, house mice and Norway rats.

Deer mice are small sized, white at the belly and feet while brownish at the top. Most commonly refereed to as the deer mouse, although that name is common to most species of Peromyscus, and is often referred to as the North American Deer Mouse. This species of rodent is widespread across the continent, with the major exception being the southeastern parts of the United States and the far northern sections of the continent.

Roof rats are either brown or black in color and smaller in size when compared to Norway rats. Their tails are quite longer than their body. The Roof rat , also known as the ship rat, black rat, house rat, is a common long-tailed rodent of the genus Rattusfamily of rats.

House mice are light grey in color and they measure between 5 to 7 inches running from the nose to the tail. The house mouse is a small mammal of the order Rodentia, having a pointed snout, small rounded ears, and a long naked or almost hairless tail. It is one of the most numerous species of the United States.

Norway rats, measure 13 to 17 inches from the nose to the tip of the tail and they are grayish-brownish in color. The Norway Rat, also referred to as common rat, street rat, sewer rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat, brown rat, Norwegian rat, or wharf rat (Rattus norvegicus) is one of the best known and most common rats.

Where are rodents found?

Rodents have no specific region of habitation they can be found wherever there is food and water supply. It is a quite a task to prevent this animal from getting into homes. A rat can always pass through a very little opening while holes the size of a dime is spacious enough for a mice to pass through.

Why should I be concerned about rodents?

Rodents difficult to control pose as danger to man as they can transmit diseases and contaminate food in the process. Mice are able to contaminate food 10 times the quantity they consume. Results gotten from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have proven rodents are responsible for 406 cases of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome among other disease in which its first occurrence was in 1993. Thirty-six percent of the infected individuals all lost their life as a result. Lymphocytic Chorimeningitis virus as well as other diseases are known to be transmitted by fleas attached to rodents. Symptoms of LCMV includes fever, chills, headaches, meningitis and muscle aches. Meningitis has a more severe effect on individuals with weak immune system but a less critical effect on able-bodied people. An infected pregnant woman might suffer severe complications.

How can I help prevent a rodent infestation?

To prevent rodent infestation within or around your home we have recommend the following tips.

• Ensure the gutters are channeled away from your home
• Keep plants, flowers and bushes well-trimmed
• Install weather strips beneath exterior doors
• Seal holes, cracks and gaps larger than a quarter inch in your home or garage.
• Store your fire wood far away from your home
• Clear off debris close the foundation of your house.

What do I do if I suspect a rodent problem around my home?

Contact a pest control professional if you suspect the activities of rodents in your home. Nature’s MACE professionals can help you solve any rodent related issue.

Rodents change their habitation after severe weather condition such as rain storms or cold weather must have occurred. They go in search of food and shelter seeking a new environment. Rodent droppings, urine and nesting materials must be carefully disposed of and area thoroughly cleaned.