What are rodents?
Mice and rats are some of the most common unwanted visitors to Georgia homes and businesses. Rodents, such as mice and rats, are small mammals identified by the front incisors in their top and bottom jaws that grow constantly.
Rats and mice look similar to each other, but there are some ways you can tell the two apart; interestingly enough, size is not a good way. Baby rats and adult mice are very similar in size and are often confused with one another. The easiest way to tell the two apart is by their faces, ears, and tails. Mice have a triangular-shaped face, large ears, and long skinny tails covered in a light layer of fur. Rats have a blunter look, small ears (compared to their head size), and thick, scaly tails void of hair.
Many different rodent species can invade our Georgia properties; partnering with a professional is the best way to identify which of the following are in your home or business:
- Roof rats
- Norway rats
- Field mice
- House mice
Are rodents dangerous?
Rodents are small mammals and typically don't cause any physical threats to people; they try their best to stay out of our way, and so bites or scratches from rodents are rare. But, rodents do pose many other problems for people and our properties. Rodents spread many diseases, including hantavirus and rate-bite fever. They carry on their backs parasites like fleas and ticks that also spread diseases. In addition, a rodent's shed fur and feces can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
In order to keep their front incisors from overgrowing, rodents are constantly chewing. Inside our homes, their chewing behavior will destroy structural elements and personal property. Wires, pipes, cables, drywall, furniture, clothing, food containers, storage boxes, and more can all be chewed on and damaged by rodents.
Why do I have a rodent problem?
Rodents are a problem in cities, suburban areas, and rural areas alike. No property is safe from rodents searching for food, water, and shelter. Rodents want to live with us because they know our properties will provide them with their basic needs. Why live outside deep in the woods and have to search for food every day when you can live in a comfortable attic and forage for food in a stocked kitchen.
Some visual signs to alert you to a rodent infestation include gnaw marks, droppings, grease marks on walls, and food packaging with holes in it. If you see signs of rodents on your property, it is important to take immediate action so that these prolific breeders don't take over your Georgia yard or home.
Where will I find rodents?
Rodents live in a variety of places. Wherever rats or mice choose to nest, the location is usually secluded, hiding them from a predator's view. Outside, rodents hide under fallen trees or inside tree hollows, woodpiles, ground holes, landscaping plants, gardens, roof eaves, and fruit trees.
Our homes, garages, and sheds often act as a home to rodents. Inside, they like to create their nests near foraging sites (usually our kitchens). Basements, attics, rafters, cabinets, spaces behind appliances, and storage boxes are frequent nesting sites for rodents. They also won't hesitate to nest under the hood of cars, lawnmowers, and other small equipment.
How do I get rid of rodents?
Let the professionals at Prestige Pest Control get rid of rodents from your Savannah or Pooler property. Our professionals know how destructive and unwanted rodents are and will work quickly to remove them from your property.
We believe in treating our customers like family and providing pest control services that are affordable and result in a pest-free home. Our highly trained and knowledgeable professionals solve problems with rodents and other pests through our customized services and EPA certified products that are safe around people and pets. To learn more about our rodent control options, reach out to us at Prestige Pest Control today!
How can I prevent rodents in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from rodents with the following prevention tips:
- Thoroughly inspect the exterior of your home, sealing any openings you find with steel wool, silicone caulk, or another strong material.
- Place covers over vents and chimneys that lead into your home.
- Seal spaces around utilities like wires and pipes that enter your home.
- Remove clutter from in and around your house where rodents can hide.
- Always store your pet's food in airtight containers.
- Keep you and your family's food in airtight containers or the refrigerator.
- Regularly sweep and mop and do not leave dishes in the sink overnight.
- Remove bird feeders from your yard, maintain gardens, and keep lids on trash cans to reduce the number of places that rodents can forage for food on your property.
