RAT PEST CONTROL IN JACKSON MS
Rats are various medium-sized, long-tailed rodents of the superfamily Muroidea. “True rats” are members of the genus Rattus, the most important of which to humans are the black rat, Rattus rattus, and the brown rat, Rattus norvegicus. Many members of other rodent genera and families are also referred to as rats, and share many characteristics with true rats.
Rats are typically distinguished from mice by their size. Generally, when someone discovers a large muroid rodent, its common name includes the term rat, while if it is smaller, the name includes the term mouse. The muroid family is broad and complex, and the common terms rat and mouse are not taxonomically specific. Scientifically, the terms are not confined to members of the Rattus and Mus genera, for example, the pack rat and cotton mouse.
Mice are small mammals belonging to the order of rodents, characteristically having a pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail, and a high breeding rate. The best-known mouse species is the common house mouse (Mus musculus). It is also a popular pet. In some places, certain kinds of field mice are also common. They are known to invade homes for food and occasionally shelter.
The American white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), as well as other common species of mouse-like rodents around the world, also sometimes live in houses. These, however, are in other genera.
Cats, wild dogs, foxes, birds of prey, snakes, and even certain kinds of arthropods have been known to prey heavily upon mice. Nevertheless, because of its remarkable adaptability to almost any environment, the mouse is one of the most successful mammalian genera living on Earth today.
Mice can at times be vermin, damaging and eating crops, causing structural damage, and spreading diseases through their parasites and feces. In North America, breathing dust that has come in contact with mouse excrement has been linked to hantavirus, which may lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
Primarily nocturnal animals, mice compensate for their poor eyesight with a keen sense of hearing and rely especially on their sense of smell to locate food and avoid predators.
Mice build intricate burrows in the wild. These burrows typically have long entrances and are equipped with escape tunnels/routes. In at least one species, the architectural design of a burrow is a genetic trait.
Rodents often carry diseases, and rats and mice can also cause damage to your home and property. Rodents frequently raid trash bins, citrus trees, garages, and vegetable gardens where they often find food sources. They also chew through wood and electrical wiring, which can expose the wire and increase the danger of a house fire. By some estimates, as many as one-quarter of all house fires in the U.S. are caused by exposed wiring due to rodent damage. Needless to say, rodents relieve themselves almost everywhere, which in addition to causing a health hazard can create some nasty odors.
see also: Eradication of Mosquitoe
Let Our Rat Pest Control Help You
Whether you are dealing with one rodent or a severe rodent infestation, correctly identifying the type of species at your property and the size of the infestation is critical in determining the best type of approach to gain control. At Magnolia Exterminating, we use the most up-to-date products and treatment methods and have built a reputation as the pest control company homeowners can trust for the type of service technicians that we send to your home or business.
As is the case with all pests, rats and mice need water, food, and shelter. Readily available food sources are an attractant. Some common food sources are trash bins or dumpsters where the lid is left open or the lid is missing or damaged allowing easy access to waste. House mice often find shelter in garages or homes. As it cools in the Fall we always get an increase in rodent calls. That is because rodents are looking for warmth, which drives them inside of homes and buildings.
Treating rodent infestations effectively requires a proper inspection to accurately determine the type of rodent(s), where they are getting into the home or structure, and the size of the rodent population. From there we implement what is called Integrated Pest Management, or IPM.
You can prevent rodents from getting into your home by sealing or closing any entry areas. A rodent can get into a home through a hole the size of a nickel or dime. We can help you inspect your home to show you areas where they are entering the home. You can also reduce or prevent rodent infestations by reducing easy access to food and water sources. Rats and mice are always looking for food and they are going to take the path of least resistance. Making sure your home does not have easy access to food sources will go a long way in making your home less attractive to these pests. Contact us today for more information!