Rodents

Rodents are mammals that live throughout the world. When you think of these small animals, mice and rats probably come to mind. While these animals are a concern in Texas properties, so are other rodents, such as squirrels and chipmunks.

Although any rodent in your home might seem huge to a startled homeowners, mice are 1 to 4 inches long, not including the tail. Rats’ bodies are closer to 8 inches long. Rats’ tails can extend about 9 inches.

Common Rodents
In Texas, the most common types of rats are roof rats and Norway rats. Roof rats have dark fur on their backs, which ranges from brown to black. Norway rats have lighter brown fur, which is sprinkled with black. House mice have lighter brown coats.

Small rodents, such as mice, are sneaky. You may never see or hear them. However, these pests aren’t good at covering up their trails. You’ll probably notice droppings before you become aware of the tiny cracks through which the animals entered.

Fecal matter from mice tends to be fairly small. Rat droppings are about a half-inch long. Norway rat droppings are larger, with rounded ends. Roof rat feces are about a centimeter long, with pointed ends.

Norway rats and mice tend to stay close to the ground. They may come into your garage or basement when the weather turns cool. Roof rats climb trees to get into your attic. Still, you might not notice that they’re there until you have an infestation.

Signs of an Infestation
If you hear a lot of noise in your basement or attic, you probably have a problem with a larger rodent. Squirrels can get trapped in attics. If they do, they become frantic. They can chew their way through your home in an effort to get out. Chipmunks are less likely to come indoors. If they do, however, they can cause damage.

Any size rodent can be a big problem for homes and businesses. The holes that larger rodents use to enter the home can become entry points for larger animals. Smaller rodents may be even more destructive. They use their large teeth to gnaw at materials such as drywall and electrical wires. They’re more than a nuisance—they can cause expensive damage.

Moreover, rodents can bring germs, fleas and ticks indoors. They spread disease through fecal matter, urine or bites. Humans that handle live or dead rodents may be exposed to illnesses. People and pets can also contract diseases if they are bitten by an infected flea, tick or mite.

Protect your home, office and family from rodents by contacting Worldwide Pest Control for a free quote. We offer residential, commercial and specialized services, and no job is too big or small. We’ll eliminate the pests from your home and property and make sure that they don’t return.