The Ins and Outs of Rodents
It’s no secret that rodents like rats, mice, and squirrels love to find their way into our homes and make themselves comfortable. They’ll scavenge for food and search for a place to build a nest just about anywhere they can.
Luckily, pest control experts are around to get these critters out of your homes and back outdoors where they belong. But we here at Paragon Pest Control aren’t just here to remove the pests and nothing more. We believe in educating our customers on these animals, how they behave, and what their infestations can mean for your home.
What Makes a Rodent?
When we think of rodents, mice and rats are typically the first animals that come to mind. However, there are over 2,000 species worldwide that are classified as rodents, including porcupines, beavers, and capybaras.
The characteristics of a rodent include:
- Mammals
- Covered with hair
- Tails
- A specific teeth and jaw structure
‘Rodent’ comes from the Latin word ‘rodere’, or ‘to gnaw.’ Rodents love to chew and their incisors never stop growing!
The Most Common Infestations
It’s very unlikely that your Texas home will ever have to deal with a capybara infestation, but there are many other rodents that could make their way inside. The more common rodents that settle into your home are mice and rats, however squirrels and chipmunks have also been known to settle in.
The Numbers
Let’s get into some statistics about rodent infestations:
- 29% of Americans have had a rodent problem in their lifetime.
- About 21 millions homes are invaded by rodents each winter.
- 50% of infestations occur in the kitchen, while 24% occur in the attic.
- 45% of infestations happen in the fall and winter.
- Rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter.
- Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime.
Considering their small size, these creatures can all make a major impact on our country!
They Multiply Quickly
A mouse can birth up to 12 baby mice every three weeks and can become pregnant again after 24 hours of giving birth. They are able to do this up to 15 times in just one year. This means that only a couple of mice can very quickly turn into a very large family.
At first sign of an infestation of any kind of rodent, you should contact a professional pest control team before the situation gets out of hand.
They Can Be Dangerous
While they’re making themselves at home within your walls, they will definitely not be the best houseguests. Rodents will urinate and leave droppings constantly and throughout your entire home. They will also go scavenging for scraps of food, touching objects you use everyday along the way.
This can expose you and your family to over 35 different diseases carried by rats and mice including salmonellosis, hantavirus, and rat-bite fever. These conditions can become extremely serious and may lead to hospitalization.
Additionally, their love of gnawing can take a toll on your home. They will chew through insulation, wood, cardboard, and even wiring. Not only is this irritating and inconvenient, but exposed wiring caused by rodents have been known to cause house fires.
Pest Control Options in Grand Prairie
While these rodent infestation facts may have scared you, keep in mind that the Paragon Pest Control team is here to help you with all your pest control needs! Give us a call at (972) 449-4233 and we’ll be there to rid your home of an infestation and educate you on how to keep your home critter free!