While your mice and rat problems might disappear during the cold months of winter, they could return when the weather warms up. Worse still, a rodent problem can easily multiply in the summer, as these pests are more likely to breed when the weather is warm and food sources are more plentiful. If you notice the signs of rodents in your home - chewed packages, droppings, etc. it could be time to improve your rodent control methods.
Mice and rat behavior
Although they might look the same, mice and rats are different species. In general, mice are smaller and have shorter snouts than rats. Tail length and shape are another way to tell the two apart. According to Clemson University, a mouse's tail appears to be ringed, hairless and short. A rat's tail, on the other hand, is usually longer than its body. Rat ears are also quite large, relative to the head.
Both mice and rats are found across North America, though rats are generally more confined to colder climates. Both animals like to eat dry grains and similar food sources. That said, a mouse will usually nibble on food and only consume small parts of it, whereas a rat will often destroy the entire food source, according to Animal Diversity. Both can be very harmful if they get into a residential pantry. Rats can wreak havoc on larger supplies of food, such as those found at grocery stores or farms.
Control methods
In most residential situations, the mouse traps you buy at the store are sufficient methods of control. You must be careful when using poison, as your pets or children could accidentally come in contact with the harmful substance. If you touch mouse poison, wash your hands immediately and call your doctor if you experience an adverse reaction.
Rats are known to peel the bark from trees, and can exhibit the same behavior on the outsides of buildings. If you notice this damage on your property, it may be wise to place traps outdoors and well as indoors. According to the University of California, the best way to prevent rat infestations is to make sure your property is clean. Always clean up trash or spilled liquids immediately. If there's nothing for a rodent to eat, it will simply go away on its own. Bigger rodent problems may warrant a professional pest control agency.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
You might see an influx of rodents at this time of year, because as the weather cools mice and rats seek warmth anywhere they can find it. Unfortunately, that often means inside residential homes. Many homes may experience rodent infestations at this time of year more than any other. Whether they're getting into your garage, basement or kitchen, it's important to put a stop to them before the problem becomes too serious and requires the intervention of a professional pest control agency.
Summer is almost here and before you head out on a family trip or even if you travel for work, consider doing a little research so you become familiar with bed bugs. This will help you identify them quickly and it could keep you from bringing them home unknowingly!
With the promise of summer also comes the promise of bugs. Homeowners have to stay vigilant, lest they find ants - or worse - rifling through their food.
You might've heard that cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast. If the worst should happen and the world succumbs to nuclear war, the cockroaches would reign supreme as the one and only organism left on earth. This hardly seems fair - consider how much time humans have spent trying to control cockroach populations. You might've chased one of them out of the bathroom this morning! So, if they really can withstand a nuclear blast, what chance do we have of managing cockroach infestations at home?
