Rodent Identification & Prevention

Rodents are mammals that run the gamut from huge to tiny, from fluffy to hairless, and from adorable chipmunks to disgusting rats. The thing that binds all rodents together is the fact that the pairs of incisors located at the front and center of their mouths never stop growing; this is why massive capybaras and tiny pygmy jerboas still belong in the same family. It's also why a rodent infestation can be so destructive to your home and why home pest control is necessary.

Rodents are dangerous in a variety of ways, though some types of rodents are much more dangerous than others. For instance, squirrels might eat your bird seed and maybe tear up some things around your house, but their chances of passing a terrible disease to you are quite low. The same cannot be said for rats and mice.

Rats and mice, specifically, are the worst types of rodent infestations you can end up with inside your house. These rodent varieties are some of the most destructive little devils you will ever encounter, chewing through everything from electrical wiring to PVC plumbing, potentially leading to massive leaks or even house fires. They can also carry dozens of bacterial and viral diseases that can cause severe illness and even death.

Unfortunately, our homes are the most convenient places for rodents, especially rats and mice, to set up shop. We have abundant food, clean water sources, and dry, climate-controlled shelter. Our homes even have fantastic nesting materials, such as fiberglass insulation and furniture stuffing, which rodents love to rip out and use for their dens.

Of course, you can't stop using your air conditioner or get rid of all the food and furniture in your house; but you can make it a whole lot harder for rodents to access what they need in your home, and doing so is key to encouraging them to move on.

Rodents like to keep out of people's way for obvious reasons. You might never actually see rats or mice, even if you have a house full of them. Common places rats and mice hang out are basements, crawl spaces, garages, and anywhere else with low foot traffic and lots of places to hide.

Other common hiding spots for rodents can depend on the type of rodent you have. For example, if you have a squirrel infestation, you may find these climbing rodents holed up in your attic. If you have an infestation of voles or gophers, these will burrow in your yard but rarely, if ever, come into your house.

Unfortunately, it can be next to impossible to get rid of a rodent infestation. Once rodents establish themselves in your house, they can be very stubborn and defy all your eviction measures. Common products you can buy at the store, such as rat baits or snap traps, are usually ineffective because they do not kill enough individuals to keep up with the breeding speed of these animals.

The good news is there's a better way. Here at Southern Home & Outdoor Services, we have access to commercial pest control techniques that can overwhelm rodent infestations and boot them out the door for good. So don't waste your time with ineffective grocery store solutions; call us for pest control in Melbourne, FL, as soon as you see signs of a rodent problem.