Rodent Identification & Prevention

What are rodents?

The rodent is a type of mammal that lives in urban, suburban, and rural settings. There are many species of rodents in the world, all of which have front incisors that grow continuously throughout their entire lives. Rodents are very adaptable and can potentially live in almost any indoor or outdoor environment successfully. Rodents will take advantage of any food, water, and shelter sources that they find and can become a problem inside of any home or commercial building.

two rats on a surface down in a greenwood missouri residential basement

Two of the most formidable species of rodents found invading homes and businesses in the Kansas City Metro area are the mouse and the rat. Adult rats are about 3-5 times larger than adult mice. The ears and tails of mice are covered in a light layer of velvety fur, while the ears and tails of rats are void of hair. Both species are nocturnal and try their best to stay out of the view of people.

Are rodents dangerous?

Rodents are dangerous pests and are known to cause considerable damage to buildings, as well as transmitting diseases. Control of rodent infestations is vital to protect you and your family’s health, the structure of your home, and your personal belongings. Rodents can spread Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM), salmonellosis, dysentery, Hantavirus, and leptospirosis.

Their shed fur, saliva, and excrement can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks. They will also contaminate food sources and the surfaces of your building with their urine, excrement, and saliva. Additionally, mice and rats cause damage to structural elements inside of homes like electrical wires, equipment, lumber, insulation, drywall, ductwork, and flooring.

Why do I have a rodent problem?

Rodents are attracted to places that offer ample food, water, and shelter sources. Once they are living on your property it is only a matter of time before they find their way inside your home or commercial building in search of food. Rodents are problematic all year long, but especially in the late fall when they are looking for shelter to overwinter in. Rats and mice get inside through spaces in the foundation, gaps under doors, holes along the roofline, vents, or down chimneys.

Where will I find rodents?

Rats and mice nest outside in a variety of spots including in trees, woodpiles, tree stumps, under decks, under foundations, in dense vegetation, along riverbeds, in abandoned bird nests, and areas of debris. Rodents nesting inside do so in warm, dark areas that are near food sources. They also prefer areas of clutter and places not frequently visited by people, such as attics, basements, crawlspaces, boxes, closets, and behind appliances.

How do I get rid of rodents?

To eliminate destructive and dangerous rodents from your home or commercial property, partner with a professional pest control expert. Augustine Exterminators offer the advanced modern methods needed to solve your unique pest problem and prevent future pests from invading. Our trained and certified specialists give homeowners effective and affordable rodent control services. To learn more about the residential and commercial pest control services we provide throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan area, call Augustine Exterminators today!

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

Rodents are tough pests to control. There are some steps you can take to make your Kansas City Metro property less attractive to destructive and dangerous rats and mice.

  • Place a tight-fitting cap on the chimney and fix holes along the roofline.

  • Remove fallen trees, stumps, and other debris from your property.

  • Install weather stripping around exterior windows and doors.

  • Remove water sources from your property.

  • Pick up fallen fruits and vegetables from garden areas.

  • Make sure outside trashcans have tight-fitting lids on them.

  • Seal up cracks and crevices in the foundation and exterior walls of your building.

  • Trim tree branches, shrubs, and bushes back away from the exterior of your home.

 

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