Rodent Infestation | Identity and Prevention

Rodent Stock photos by Vecteezy

Posted May 30, 2024

Rodent Infestation and the Spread of Infections

Rodents are not only unwelcome in the home, but they may also be harmful. Rodent droppings can contain a variety of bacteria and parasites that can cause significant sickness if consumed. Rodents may carry diseases on their fur or in their saliva, which can be transmitted to humans when they come into touch with open wounds or mucous membranes like the eyes, mouth, and nose. Rodents also cause property damage by chewing through walls, furniture, and other things to create nests and burrows for shelter.

Categories of Rodents:
The most common rodents discovered infesting homes are mice, rats, and gophers; however, chipmunks, squirrels, and even rabbits can cause problems if the conditions are suitable for them to reach the attic or fireplace. Rodents want a warm, dry area to live and store their food, so attics or crawlspaces are enticing options. Rodents will chew through practically anything to gain entry to structures, although the most typical access points are around roof eaves, siding, and vents. Rodent droppings are cylindrical, measuring 1/4″ to 5/8″ length with blunt ends. 

Mouse droppings are frequently found heaped together in corners of the home or behind appliances where rodents travel; this is because mouse urine has a high ammonia content, which makes it very visible, thus rodents try not to leave trails when moving around inside the home. Rodent infestations can be deadly, but they are sometimes simple to avoid. For rodent control, call Spire Pest at (888) 316-3615. Rodents can infiltrate homes through easily accessible openings as small as a pencil pad, so sealing even the smallest holes will help keep them out. Rodents breed quickly, therefore any opening that allows one rat to enter the home may be used by many more in just a few months if it is not sealed. Rodent infestations should always be managed by professionals, such as Spire Pest Control.

Rodent Protection:
Rodent-proofing is a vital aspect of preventing rodents from entering your house and becoming a major pest. mice cannot climb smooth surfaces such as glass or slick plastic, therefore replacing wood siding with vinyl siding will make it more difficult for mice to obtain a foothold and enter a residence. Rodents cannot eat through brick, stucco, metal, or cement, hence these materials are ideal for preventing rodent infestations while constructing a new construction.

Existing dwellings can also be rodent-proofed by fixing holes and gaps around vents or pipes with wire mesh and sealing them to keep mice out. Rodents can be kept out of chimneys by putting a screen at the top of the chimney where it meets the roof line and keeping the damper closed while the wood stove or fireplace is not in use. Rodents can enter attics through vents, so screening them will help keep unwanted pests out of your home.

When Rodents Attack Your Residence:
Once a rat infestation has occurred, it is critical to contact pest control professionals like Spire Pest as soon as possible. Rodent droppings and urine can contain a wide variety of bacteria and parasites, some of which can cause significant sickness if consumed by people. Rodents may carry diseases on their fur or in their saliva, which can be deadly if in touch with open wounds or mucous membranes like the eyes, mouth, or nose.