Rats and Mice: A Threat to Your Home and Health

Introduction

Rats and mice are common household pests that can cause significant damage and health hazards if left unchecked. These rodents have adapted perfectly to live among humans and exploit the shelter and food that homes provide.

Rats and Mice Behavior

Rats and mice belong to the Rodentia order of mammals, characterized by their specialized teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. The incisors at the front of their mouths chisel and gnaw through a variety of tough materials like wood beams, bricks, piping, electrical wires, and more to gain access into structures. Once inside, rodents voraciously chew through softer materials like drywall, insulation, fabrics, and packaging [1].

Rodents also pose serious health risks by spreading diseases through contact with their bodily fluids and waste. Rodent droppings and nesting materials contain high levels of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Scratches or bites also expose humans to zoonotic diseases. Rodents can spread dangerous diseases like Hantavirus, Salmonella, Rat-bite Fever, Leptospirosis, Plague, and more [2].

How to Prevent Rodents

Excluding rodents from your home is the best prevention method. Key tactics include:

• Inspect outside for entry points like cracks in foundation, gaps around windows/doors, uncapped chimneys and seal them
• Install weather stripping around doors and windows
• Keep shrubbery trimmed back from structure
• Store firewood away from home on racks elevated above the ground
• Clean up fallen fruits/nuts from yard
• Keep gutters clear of debris

Indoors, take these steps to deny rodents food and shelter:

• Store human and pet food securely in chew-proof containers
• Promptly clean up any spilled food items
• Take garbage out frequently
• Organize storage areas and eliminate clutter

If You Have Rats or Mice

If you suspect a rodent infestation inside your home, immediate action is imperative before extensive damage occurs or diseases spread. Signs include droppings, chew marks, nesting materials, strange odors, and visual sightings. Traps or poisons only provide temporary relief from the symptoms. For permanent removal, contact a licensed pest control professional to:

• Thoroughly inspect inside and out to pinpoint entryways
• Develop a strategic baiting, trapping, and extermination plan
• Seal all possible entrances permanently
• Provide guidance on proper sanitation and proofing

Remediating droppings, urine, nests and contaminated surfaces is also crucial. Rodent waste carries bacteria, viruses and parasites long after departure or death [3]. Proper personal protective gear should be worn during cleanup. Surfaces may need disinfected with bleach, quaternary ammonium, or other antimicrobial solutions. Later, deodorizers can help eliminate lingering odors.

Rats and Mice Control Services from Pest Asset

The licensed technicians at Pest Asset specialize in modern rodent control methods that safely, discreetly, and effectively eliminate infestations. Contact us for:

• Thorough Home Inspection – We identify all signs of activity and entry points
• Strategic Baiting & Trapping – Lures rodents out without spreading infestation
• Rodent Exclusion Services – We seal all cracks, holes and gaps rodents use
• Attic Restoration – Any insulation or materials they contaminated gets replaced
• Post Treatment Follow-Ups – Ensures permanent removal

Conclusion

Left unchecked, rats and mice spread rapidly and cause considerable dangers to human health through contamination and disease transmission. They also damage critical structural elements of homes with their relentless gnawing and burrowing. With advanced exclusion tactics and thorough treatments, Pest Asset can eliminate rodent threats and prevent future infestations across your entire property. Our strategic approach provides proven results without relying on poisons that endanger pets.

References:

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/index.html [2] https://www.epa.gov/rodenticides/health-concerns-rodents-and-their-control
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html