If you are a homeowner, learning about rodents is essential to keep these unwanted pests out of your house and away from your family. Many of these mammals have adapted to living with people and, when necessary, turn our houses, garages, and sheds into their homes.
Here at Wildlife and Pest Control Experts, we take pride in offering rodent control in Jacksonville, FL, to protect people and property from these unpleasant, problematic pests. Read here for a comprehensive overview of rodents in Jacksonville.
Common Rodent Species: Identifying Different Types Of Rodent
Rodents belong to the order Rodentia, which makes up the largest group of mammals living worldwide. Identifying rodents can be tricky because there are so many different species, and they come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. The one physical feature distinguishing rodents from other mammals is their front incisors. All rodents have front incisors on their top and bottom jaw that grow continuously throughout their life.
The two most common types of rodents to find their way into our homes are mice and rats. Ways to tell mice and rats apart include:
Adult rats are usually much larger than adult mice.
Mice have triangular-shaped heads, while rats have more blunt-shaped heads.
Rats have thick, scaly tails that are void of hair. Mice have long, thin tails covered in a light layer of velvety fur.
Relative to their head size, mice have larger ears, and rats have smaller-appearing ears.
Mice produce dark, rice-like droppings with pointed ends, while rat droppings are larger and have blunt ends.
The best way to handle unwanted rodents in your home is to contact an experienced pest professional. Our professionals will come to your property to find and accurately identify the rodents that have found a way inside your home.
Rodent Dangers: Health Risks And Property Damage
Sharing your home with rodents is dangerous. Rodents create health risks and can cause significant property damage. They are scavengers and usually don’t live in the most sanitary areas. Rodents regularly come into contact with bacteria, parasites, and other disease-causing organisms.
Some of the most common diseases that rodents spread include rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, hantavirus, and leptospirosis. Additionally, the parasites, like fleas and ticks, living in a rodent’s fur also carry and transmit diseases that make people ill.
Rodents are common household pests well-known for the property damage they cause. To keep their teeth worn down, these animals constantly gnaw on objects. In our homes, rodents can damage wood, plumbing pipes, electrical wires, cabinets, furniture, books, clothing, and more. A rodent infestation can also cause problems like producing foul odors, staining surfaces with urine, grease, or dirt, and making people uncomfortable in their homes.
Proactive Rodent Control: Preventing Infestations Before They Begin
One of the best ways to prevent problems with Florida rodents inside your Jacksonville home is to make your yard as unattractive to them as possible. The more rodent activity you have near your home, the more likely these curious animals will find their way inside.
Prevent issues with rodents using these helpful tips:
Avoid feeding pets outdoors; if you do, pick up uneaten pet food.
Remove bird and other wildlife feeders from near your home or, better yet, anywhere in your yard.
Keep grass cut short and clear away debris and overgrown vegetation from your yard.
Store outdoor trash cans away from the exterior of your home, and make sure they have tight-fitting lids.
After eating or cooking outside, thoroughly clean up to remove food debris.
To keep rodents out of your home, it is also important to frequently inspect your home’s exterior and seal any gaps or cracks you discover.
Professional Rodent Control: The Best Way To Keep Mice And Rats Away
The best way to keep mice and rats away from your Jacksonville homes is with the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced pest professional. The team at Wildlife and Pest Control Experts is committed to meeting your rodent control needs. Our experts will determine the extent of the infestation, identify the pests present, and use effective tools and techniques to remove them from your home. For more information about residential or commercial pest control in Jacksonville, please contact one of our professionals today.
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