Rodent pest control and different types of rodents

Who is ravaging your house? Is it a mouse or a rat?

Rodents are the world's largest group mammalian group and the fastest reproducing species making rodent control one of the world's oldest professions. Even though many types of rodents are considered to be pests we would not be able to live without them. Mice control and rodents control is a way to intervene when groups of rodents are getting too large. However we need rodents to reproduce quickly and to serve as food for larger animals. They are a vital part of the ecosystem's food chain and they are the planet's main mechanism for the collection and spread of seeds.

Where are Rodents Found?

Rodents can end up living in and around homes if the conditions are right and when this occurs a rodent pest problem ensues. Rodent elimination is also often needed when the animals make their homes in livestock facilities, restaurant kitchens, basements and shops. The natural habitat for rodents depends on the exact species but usually they are found in wooded areas near water. In reality, however, they will occupy any place where they can find food and hiding places.

Types of Rodents

There are many different types of rodents. Most people have seen both rats and mice and can identify them in a generic sense, but accurate rodent identification is important if you are suffering from a rodent pest problem. Unless you know the exact animal with which you are dealing, you may not be able to successfully combat its presence.

Roof Rat

The brown rat or house rat is one of the larger varieties and can grow up to 25 cm long and reach a weight of at least a pound. These rats can have a whitish tummy and a pink tail and pink ears. Roof rats climb well and also are efficient burrowers, swimmers, and runners.

House Mouse

House mice are hard to control, happily and stealthily living near human habitations and living off food meant for family and pets. Normally evidence of the presence of house mice includes droppings and signs of gnawing. Mice like to make nests of shredded paper or other materials in sheltered spots.

Common Diseases Transmitted by Rodents

In addition to damaging items, rodents can also transfer diseases to human beings. These include:

Rat Bite Fever

This disease is spread through the saliva, mouth and nose of an infected rat or their secretions. This is why you must always visit a doctor if you have been bitten by a rat. Within ten days after being infected, the effected individual will experience swollen joints, a rash, and fever.

Plague

Plague is actually transmitted from fleas living on rats. Once the infection makes the leap to humans, it is then easily passed person to person. If detected early, plague can be dealt with by using antibiotics. A headache and a fever are the most identifiable early symptoms of the condition.

How can you Detect Rats and Mice?

If rats and mice are visiting your home and you think that you might need some type of rodent control you will first have to make sure that you know exactly the type of rodent with which you are dealing. You can detect rat and mice by the following signs:

Gnawing damage to items such as food in cupboards, wooden objects, and shelves.
Mouse or rat droppings in and around the home.
Burrows directly outside your home.
Mouse nests made of scraps of paper.

Continue to: The Ideal Products Used for Rodent Pest Control

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