Consisting of rats and mice, rodents, which are mammals that are considered nuisance pests, are found throughout most of the planet. Rodents are responsible for vast amounts of damage caused by physical destruction and contamination to homes, businesses, and crops each year. Out-of-control rodent populations can be downright dangerous, as rodents have been known to chew through wires which cause shorts that lead to fires. It is important to keep rodent populations under control as rodents spread disease and provide a host to flea populations which have been known to vector bubonic plague and other deadly diseases.
A rodent infestation is often noted by shredded paper for bedding, urine stains, urine odors, drywall damage, and left behind droppings for which there can be many. Rodents, depending on the type and species, can be found burrowing and running trails in the ground, in attics, along pipe ways, in walls, and trees. Adequate access to food, water, and shelter also play a significant role in nest location. It is imperative to repair all access points on a structure when an infestation is discovered and then clean all contacted surfaces while being sure to discard all foodstuffs that have been contaminated. When conditions are ideal and left untreated, rodent populations have been known to skyrocket, as rodents reproduce quite quickly. Rodents are best controlled by utilizing a combination of methods which include exclusion, trapping and rodenticide baiting.
It is important not to pick up or corner wild rodents as they will bite if threatened. Depending on the size and characteristics of the infestation at hand, rodent control can prove extremely difficult and is best handled by a pest professional. If you are struggling with rodents at your home or business, consider scheduling a site visit and setting up a residential pest service plan or adding a rodent plan to your commercial pest service.