Rodents are little mammals that might not seem like a big problem, but don’t let their tiny size keep you from taking them seriously. Rodents in San Diego, CA are one of the most common pest problems for homeowners, and they are also dangerous and destructive.
Mice and rats are the two kinds of rodents you're most likely to find scurrying around your home and causing chaos, and while they do look different, they have many similarities in appearance and behavior. Here is how to identify rodents.
To start with, mice are smaller at about 2-4 inches long, are a brownish-grey color, and have long tails and large ears. On the other hand, rats are much bigger at up to 10 inches long (not including their shorter, scaly tails) and blunter-shaped faces. There are two rat species in the area: the Norway rat and the roof rat. Norway rats are brown-grey and great swimmers while roof rats are dark brown to black and great climbers.
Facts About Rodents And Property Damage
While you might not associate rodents with property damage, they are a destructive species. They constantly need to chew to grind down their incisors, so they will gnaw on plastic, wires, pipes, wood, drywall, and clothing. They can even chew open holes to make them big enough to fit through.
Because of this constant chewing, they can ruin many of your valuable items and even destroy important structural elements in your home such as electrical wires. In some cases, this damage can lead to safety risks, and you could also end up spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on home repairs.
Rodents And Health Risks
Dealing with continual chewing damage around your house can be frustrating enough, but the main reason mice and rats are such problem pests is that they pose so many health risks. These rodents have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, so they can carry many diseases that jump to humans.
Some of the diseases rodents can spread include tularemia, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever. They also often carry fleas, ticks, and other parasites that are known to spread illnesses including bartonellosis and tapeworms. Because of all the pathogens, they can transmit, rodents are one of the more terrifying pests in the area.
Along with spreading sickness, mice and rats can also cause the following health problems:
- Allergic Reactions And Asthma Attacks: The risks of these problems are increased for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health problems.
- Food Contamination: Rodents will eat a wide range of people and pet food, and they often get into cupboards and pantries.
- Respiratory Problems: Mice and rats can spread illness and respiratory issues through their fur, urine, and droppings.
What Is The Safest Way To Remove Rodents?
Rodents are hard to remove without professional help. It can be difficult to remove the entire infestation using methods like traps and bait, and bait can be dangerous for children and pets. Instead of trying to get rid of rodents on your own, get in touch with the residential pest control experts at Allswell Here. We use Integrative Pest Management approaches and follow the highest standards in pest licensing. Our rodent control plans offer continual assistance to protect your home from rats and mice.
If you have a rodent infestation in your home or want to proactively take steps to deter one, give us a call today to get started and request an inspection.