If you’re a homeowner, you’ll likely encounter rodents in your home eventually. This is because rodents, specifically mice and rats, are two of the most common home-invading pests Texas. Despite their small size, they are also extremely destructive and dangerous. Both mice and rats are known for causing all kinds of property damage and for posing many health risks. Because of these concerns, understanding how to protect your home from rodents is important in keeping you and your family safe.
What Do Mice And Rats Look Like?
Mice and rats are different species, but they do share similarities in both behavior and appearance. However, it’s very unlikely to have an infestation of both at the same time. Around the area, the two most common types of rats are the Norway rat and the roof rat. Norway rats are a brownish-grey color with scaly ears and tails. They tend to live near ground level and are good swimmers. Roof rats, on the other hand, are dark brown with large ears, and, as their name suggests, they are great climbers who often make their way onto rooftops.
There are also two common species of mice in the area: the house mouse and the deer mouse. House mice have brown-grey fur, long tails, and big feet. Deer mice are about half the size of house mice, and they have short tails and light brown or reddish fur.
The Dangers Of Having Rodents In Your Home
You might have heard that rodents are unsanitary pests, but they are often more dangerous than most homeowners realize. In fact, they are known to spread dozens of diseases including hantavirus and salmonella. Plus, they are rather notorious for getting parasites such as fleas which can even lead to illnesses like the Bubonic plague. Along with these major concerns, there are a few other health problems rodents can cause including:
- Allergic reactions and asthma attacks that can be caused by rodent fur, droppings, and urine
- Safety risks caused by chewing through electrical wires
- Infections if you happen to be bitten, although this is rare
- Respiratory problems that happen when rodent feces builds up over time
Common Signs Of A Rodent Infestation
The most obvious sign that you’re dealing with rodents is if you see a mouse or rat scurrying around your property. However, there are other signs of an infestation you should be aware of to help detect rodents as quickly as possible. Here are five other signs you have a rodent infestation:
- Finding small, rod-shaped droppings around your home
- Hearing scurrying or squeaking sounds from the inside of walls
- Noticing chew marks around walls or on baseboards
- Smelling a musty odor
- Finding bite marks on drywall, wood, or furniture
Can You Remove Rodents On Your Own?
If you have noticed an infestation, you might want to take matters into your own hands, but common DIY (do it yourself) rodent removal methods rarely work. For one thing, they are usually ineffective and don’t get the entire infestation. Traps, for example, might get a few mice or rats, but they are unlikely to eliminate every single one given how quickly rodents can reproduce. Even worse is the fact that some DIY methods like rat poison and other baits can be dangerous for young children and pets who may mistake the brightly colored products for food.
How To Get Rid Of Rodents Safely And Effectively
While rodents can be difficult to remove without the proper products and experience, the professional pest removal team at Innovative Pest Control can get rid of any rodent infestation. With over 25 years of experience, we work with you to provide quality, affordable rodent control services. Instead of letting these dangerous pests put you and your family at risk, our expert technicians located in Tyler and Longview Texas can handle them for you. We even offer free inspections, so call us today at (903) 326-7395 to get started.
Categories:
- Rats in Texas
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