Rodents Are a Danger to Your Family and Home
Creepy-crawly bugs are not the only pest problems that homeowners face. Rats, mice, voles and other rodents present a real threat. Dirty, disease-carrying and property destroying, rodents are one of the last pests you want to invade your home.
Property Damage
Rodents are expert home invaders and can squeeze their way inside through even the smallest cracks. With sharp, tough incisors, they can easily widen any hole that prevents their access. This means both exterior and interior drywall is subject to extensive damage. Not only does this offer easy access to other pests, but multiple holes in your walls leads to poor insulation and high energy bills. To keep their teeth short, rodents constantly chew on whatever is available, including your furniture. Rodents have been known to chew through wires which can cause a house fire.
Disease
According to the CDC, rats and mice alone can spread more than 35 unique diseases. These illnesses can be spread both directly and indirectly. While most homeowners won’t handle a rodent directly, indirect disease spread is very common. As rodents scurry across your floor, they leave behind thousands of germs. The presence of their urine, feces and nests inside your walls also exposes you to harmful pathogens. A rat that was enjoying dinner inside your silverware drawer leaves viruses, bacteria and other pathogens on the fork and knife that you use to eat your dinner with. Dried feces can release irritants and germs in the air, causing respiratory infections. The infections caused by rodents are dangerous and sometimes deadly. If you suspect a rodent infestation, pest control is essential to the health of you and your family. Saela offers quality rodent care. Our team of pest control professionals is equipped with the proper products and safety equipment needed to exterminate rodents.
Allergies
In addition to dangerous germs, rodents are also likely to cause allergies in sensitive individuals. The droppings and urine left by rodents are allergens for many people and can lead to alarming respiratory symptoms.
More Pests
Fleas, ticks, mites and other pests often hitch a ride on rodents. A rodent invasion opens the door to a multitude of pests, so it’s important to attack the problem quickly. Rodents also easily spread ticks and fleas to dogs or cats. Since rodents carry disease, the fleas and ticks on them are highly likely to be infected with the same disease. Pets are susceptible to infection from rodents just as humans, so make sure to have your cats and dogs checked out if you discover a rodent infestation.
A furry body quickly scurrying across your kitchen floor is the surest sign of a rodent infestation, but there are other subtle clues to be on the lookout for. Rodent droppings are often found in the kitchen, inside cabinets or on countertops. Their feces are small, about the size of a grain of rice, and brown or black colored. Chew marks in furniture, cabinets and food containers is another telltale sign of hungry rodents. Soft materials, like paper or cushion stuffing, could indicate a nearby nest.
While rodent infestations can occur anytime, these pests are more likely to seek indoor shelter during cooler months. While it’s important to protect your home from potential rodent infestations, professional rodent control is essential for active infestations.