Rodents
Order Rodentia
Rodents Facts and Information
Rodents are a diverse group of warm-blooded mammals that can be found all over the world. They have oversized front teeth for gnawing and specialized cheek teeth for chewing. While some rodents, such as hamsters and guinea pigs, are kept as pets, others, like rats and mice, are considered pests due to their ability to cause extensive damage and carry diseases.
Rats and mice are the most common rodents that we deal with as pests. Both can carry a variety of diseases, such as salmonella and hantavirus, that can be transmitted to humans through contact with their urine, droppings, or saliva. Additionally, they can cause significant damage to structures, furniture, and other items as they gnaw on them to keep their constantly growing teeth in check.
One reason rats and mice are such prolific pests is their ability to reproduce quickly. A single female mouse can give birth to up to ten litters per year, with each litter consisting of up to six young. Rats are similarly prolific, with a single female capable of producing up to six litters per year with an average of eight to ten offspring per litter.
While rodents are known for their sharp teeth and ability to cause destruction, they are not typically aggressive toward humans. Most of the time, they will run away and seek shelter rather than fight. However, it is important to take precautions when dealing with rodent infestations, as they can carry diseases and may bite or scratch if cornered or threatened.
To prevent rodent infestations, it is important to keep a clean home and seal up any possible entry points into the house, such as cracks in the foundation or gaps around doors and windows. Additionally, storing food in airtight containers can prevent rodents from being attracted to your home in the first place.
FAQs About Rodents
Do rats bite people?
Yes, rats can bite people. However, it’s important to note that rats usually only bite as a last resort when they feel threatened or cornered. If you encounter a rat, it’s best to stay away from it and call Grizz Pest Management to remove the rat from your home or property safely. It’s also a good idea to take preventative measures, such as sealing up any holes or entry points where rats can enter, keeping food in sealed containers, and maintaining good sanitation practices to reduce the likelihood of a rat infestation in the first place.
What are signs of a rat infestation ?
Seeing a small, fast-moving critter in your home can be scary, but it can be hard to tell if it’s a mouse or a rat. Here are some ways to distinguish between a rat and a mouse problem:
- Rat droppings are bigger and thicker than mouse droppings, which look like tiny grains of rice.
- You may hear rats moving around inside your walls, ceilings, or attic. They make noises like chewing, scratching, and squealing, and they are most active at night.
- You might see gnawing marks on walls or floors. Rough marks are new, while smooth marks are from older activities.
- Rats can eat through containers and bags to get to the food. If you see holes or gnaw marks in your stored food items, throw them away.
- If you see a large, brownish critter with a long, scaly tail, you have likely seen a rat. Rats are social animals, so if you see one, there are probably more.
What damage can rat and mice cause?
Rats and mice can cause significant damage to homes and other structures, as well as to property and belongings. They have strong teeth that are constantly growing, so they continually gnaw on things to keep their teeth sharp and prevent them from growing too long. This gnawing can damage wood, electrical wiring, and other materials. In addition, their droppings and urine can contaminate food and surfaces and spread disease through their feces, urine, and bites. Rats and mice can also cause damage to gardens and crops by eating plants and fruits. Additionally, their presence in a home can lead to a musty odor, and their nesting materials can pose a fire hazard.