Professional Rodent Control Is A Must Have In Columbia

How To Identify Common Types Of Rodents In Columbia

There are three kinds of rodents that commonly infiltrate our homes—rats, mice, and squirrels. If you're not familiar with them, the simple descriptions that follow should help. We'll also share a few important facts about each one so you know what to expect.

Roof Rats:

A roof rat is entirely black except for its pink tail. It has the long body, thick tail, and blunt nose of a rat. You'll find roof rats scaling trees, living in tree nests, and checking out your roof—if you let them.

Norway Rats:

A Norway rat is brown with a white underbelly. It looks a bit like a giant field mouse but has the rat features mentioned above. You'll find these rats digging holes in the ground and living underneath structures in your yard. They are particularly fond of establishing burrows under junk piles.

Field Mice:

A field mouse, or deer mouse, has the coloration of a deer. It can look tawny on top or more of a brown color, like a Norway rat. Its underside is white. A field mouse has a pointed snout and a long, thin tail. These mice typically infest barns, sheds, and other structures that feel more "outdoorsy." They are not happy in a clean and well-kept modern home.

House Mice:

These are the best-known mice in the world. House mice are gray or brown, depending on the species. Their underbelly is white. They have pointed mouse snouts and thin tails. You can find these critters anywhere in your home, but they are particular to locations that feel like a tree cavity since that is where they dwell in nature. Therefore, a wall void or the drawer of a dresser stored in your attic will do nicely.

Squirrels:

These furry-tailed rodents need no description. They are active during the day and common visitors to Columbia yards. The other rodents above are nocturnal. As you watch squirrels in your yard, keep in mind that rats and mice can do many of the same things, such as scale the bark of trees, run across power lines with ease, and eat nuts. When squirrels invade Columbia homes, they usually stay in attic spaces.

When rats, mice, or squirrels start poking around the perimeter of your home, trouble can begin to brew. It is important to catch warning signs early because the amount of trouble rodents can cause is surprising. Let's take a quick look.

Don't Ignore A Rodent Problem

The first fact you should know about house rodents is that they multiply quickly. What we mean by house rodents is any rodent that can live in your home permanently. Squirrels don't count. They typically feed on outdoor food sources and rarely explore the interior of the houses they infest. Rats and mice are a unique problem because of their amazing reproductive speed. Two rats or mice can give rise to a population of thousands in just one year under the right conditions.

What sort of things do rats and mice do in your home? Here is a quick run-down:

• These rodents spread germs that they pick up from unsanitary places, such as dumpsters.
• They will cut through wires with their teeth and spark a fire.
• They leave fecal matter that can dry and become airborne.
• Rodents soak insulation with urine.
• They damage items in storage.
• These rodents get into stored foods and contaminate them.
• They create holes for other pests to enter your home.
• They bring ticks and fleas into the house with them. These secondary pests can make you, your dogs, and your cats sick.

Squirrels do some of these things as well. They cut wires, leave droppings, soak insulation with urine, damage items in attics, create holes for other pests, and bring ticks inside. If you like squirrels, the temptation may be there to feed them and encourage them to visit your yard. Keep in mind that encouraging them too much can lead to trouble.

Rats and mice are clearly the worst invaders. You'll want to catch an infestation early. When you don't catch rats and mice early, not only can they cause more trouble doing the things we mentioned above, but your rodent control costs will increase. How do you deal with a rodent problem?

The Best Way To Get Rid Of A Rodent Problem

If you currently have a rodent problem, the solution will depend on the kind of rodent. Once again, we must separate rats and mice from squirrels. Since squirrels don't live off the food in your home, controlling food sources will do nothing to drive them out of your house. You'll also use a different control method if you choose to collect them for removal. Live traps are common when catching squirrels. They are captured, brought outside, and released. Rats and mice are not because of their incredible breeding capacity and their threat to public health. If you have rats or mice in your home, use these tips to encourage them to leave:

• Clean up all food debris.
• Consider only eating in your kitchen and dining room until your rodent problem is solved.
• Store pantry food in sealed containers.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Protect holiday decorations made from food products.
• Keep all trash in covered containers and remove waste frequently.

Along with these methods of removing food sources, you'll also need to apply exclusion work. In some cases, exclusion work will also help with a squirrel problem. But you should keep in mind that squirrels often have pups indoors, and the last thing you want to do is separate a squirrel momma from her babies.

If you have a rat or mouse infestation, apply these exclusions.

• Patch foundational cracks.
• Fill in wood cavities.
• Apply foam in structural voids.
• Seal around plumbing and wires.
• Replace damaged weatherstripping.
• Install door sweeps.
• Patch damaged screens.
• Block access to vents.
• Remove clutter near your exterior walls.
• Trim vegetation.
• Cut the grass near your home.
• Remove weeds.
• Get rid of sticks and leaves in your landscaping and under structures.

You may get rid of rodents under the right circumstances. Rats and mice are strongly motivated by food. Get rid of the food, and you may get rid of the rodents. Once they're outdoors, patch the holes, and you're good to go. If rodents don't leave or are persistently finding a way back inside, contact Go-Forth Home Services for service in Columbia.