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Pests 101: Mice & Rats

Pests 101: Mice & Rats

Mice & Rats: Essential Facts

Mice and rats are common pests that can invade both residential and commercial properties. Understanding their behavior, signs of infestation, and control methods is crucial for effective management.

Identification

Mice: Usually smaller, with bodies measuring 2-4 inches long. They have pointed noses, large ears, and long, thin tails.

Rats: Larger, with bodies 7-9 inches long. They have blunt noses, small ears, and shorter, thicker tails compared to their body size.

Behavior

Mice and rats are nocturnal and seek food, water, and shelter indoors. They are excellent climbers and can squeeze through small openings, making it easy for them to access buildings.

Signs of Infestation

  • Droppings: Small, dark, and pellet-shaped for mice; larger and spindle-shaped for rats.
  • Gnaw Marks: On food packaging, furniture, and wiring.
  • Noise: Scratching or scampering sounds, especially at night.
  • Burrows: Rats may create burrows near foundations or in gardens.
  • Nests: Made from shredded materials, often found in hidden areas.

Health Risks

Rodents carry diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella. They can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks through their droppings and urine.

Prevention

  • Sealing Entry Points: Use steel wool and caulking to block gaps and holes in walls, doors, and windows.
  • Trapping: Set traps in areas with high rodent activity.
  • Sanitation: Keep food stored in airtight containers and maintain cleanliness to reduce attractants.

Mice & Rat Control Solutions

By understanding their habits and implementing proactive measures, you can effectively manage and prevent mice and rat infestations.

For severe infestations, call TAG Pest Control to ensure thorough and safe removal.

TAG Pest Control’s expert technicians use a combination of baiting, trapping, and exclusion methods to effectively manage rodent populations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your home from rodent invasions.

Did You Know?

Mice and rats possess incredible physical abilities that allow them to infiltrate very small spaces. Mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime, and rats can squeeze through an opening the size of a quarter. This remarkable adaptability is due to their flexible skeletons and nimble bodies, enabling them to exploit even the smallest entry points into homes and buildings.

Understanding these capabilities is essential for effective pest prevention and control, highlighting the importance of securing potential access points to maintain a rodent-free environment.

Don’t Wait. Get Fast & Reliable Pest Control Today.

Safeguard your property with our professional pest control services. Contact TAG Pest Control today to learn how we can create a safer, pest-free environment.