As cold weather sets in, you may feel a sigh of relief that many of our insect worries have left (or died) for the winter. No longer do we wince at the sight of wasps or hear the buzzing of mosquitoes. Unfortunately for us, however, that noise has been replaced by the scurrying of rodents. Hearing them in the walls is annoying enough, but seeing their presence in gnawed food packages and left over droppings is just disgusting. Unlike many insects that die off or remain dormant, rodents are quite happy to move inside for the winter and remain permanent house guests.

So what exactly are rodents?

In scientific terms, a rodent is any mammal of the order Rodentia. They are characterized by large incisors that continually grow, which are kept short by constant gnawing. Many common animals are in this order, such as mice, rats and squirrels. Historically rodents have been a pest animal for humans for many centuries, eating stored food and spreading diseases.

Why do I have rodents?

Like many other pest species, your home is a wonderland when it comes to a supply of food and water. The pantry is often well stocked with food, there may be dirty dishes left in the sink, and there is plenty of water thanks to leaky faucets and pipes. When it’s cold outside and the temperature drops, your warm, dry home or office provides a nice place for rodents to live in relative safety

Are they dangerous?

Rodents can pose a risk to both you and your family by carrying diseases such as Salmonellosis, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (which is potentially fatal!). They can also bring in fleas, ticks and other parasites. Rodents tend to leave droppings wherever they roam as well and cause electrical and structural damage with gnawing. Among the most common rodents are mice and rats, both of which can be very shy and very fast, making them hard to get rid of. They are also prolific breeders – one female can have up to four litters a year, each with between 4 and 6 pups. Your attic is a perfect nest, which can become filled not only with little “bundles of joy” but also urine and feces – yuck!

How do I know if I have rodents?

Besides seeing a rat or mouse scurrying along the floor, there are other ways to tell if your building has become infested with rodents. Check for droppings and any damage done to food packaging or building structures (rodents gnaw constantly – check wires and pipes). Evidence of nesting may also be found, which includes pieces of paper, fabric or other soft materials.

How can I prevent them from entering?

To discourage rodents from entering your building, there are a few steps you can take to help avoid infestations:

• Start outside! Bird and squirrel feeders attract rodents, so try to place them as far away from the house as possible. Empty and clean out outdoor pet bowls daily and do not leave food outside overnight.
• Check your building (inside and out!) for any holes or cracks that may allow entry inside and make sure to seal them up.
• Keep food areas clean and tidy. Use thick containers with tight lids made of metal or plastic and remove any trash on a regular basis.

The CDC website offers a very detailed guide to preventing rodents infestations. Click on each step to learn more!

A short humorous video produced by Howard Universities CapComm lab shows how your home is perfect for rodent “vacations”.

If you are experiencing rodent problems, we can help! Visit us at www.commandpest.comfor more information.