24 Jan How To Get Rid of Rodents Under Your Home
Getting rid of rodents from under your home can be a challenging task, but with the right knowledge and tools, it is possible to effectively control and prevent rodent infestations.
To begin, it is important to understand the biology of rodents. Rodents are a diverse group of mammals that include rats, mice, and squirrels. They are characterized by their sharp teeth, long tails, and ability to gnaw through a variety of materials. Rodents are also known for their ability to reproduce quickly, with females capable of producing multiple litters per year. In South Florida, common rodent pests include the roof rat and the Norway rat.
One of the most effective ways to prevent and control rodent infestations is through proper sanitation. This includes keeping your home and surrounding areas free of clutter, sealing all potential entry points, and storing food in airtight containers. Keeping garbage and compost away from your home is also crucial, as these can provide a food source for rodents.
Another important step in preventing rodent infestations is regular inspection of your home. Look for signs of gnawing, droppings, or nests. Pay special attention to areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces, as these are common places for rodents to nest.
Trapping and baiting are also effective methods for controlling rodent populations. Traps can be used to capture and remove individual rodents, while bait stations can be used to poison larger populations. It is important to use appropriate bait and traps for the specific type of rodent you are dealing with, and to place them in areas where you have observed activity.
If an infestation is severe, it may be necessary to hire a professional exterminator. They will be able to provide an assessment of the situation and recommend an appropriate course of action.
The most common rodents that get under homes in South Florida are the Roof Rat and the Norway Rat. The Roof Rat, also known as the Black Rat, is typically smaller and more agile than the Norway Rat. They have a long tail, large ears and a pointed nose, and are typically found in attics and upper levels of homes. The Norway Rat, also known as the Brown Rat, is larger and more robust than the Roof Rat. They have a shorter tail and a more blunt nose, and are typically found at ground level in basements, crawl spaces and yards. Both species can cause damage to structures and spread diseases through their droppings and urine.
Roof Rats (Rattus rattus) are known for their agility and climbing abilities, and are often found in attics and upper levels of homes. They are typically black or dark brown in color and have a long, thin tail, large ears, and a pointed nose. They can grow up to 9 inches in length and weigh around 5-9 ounces. They are known for their ability to gnaw through a variety of materials and can cause damage to electrical wiring and insulation. They are also known to chew on stored food items and contaminate them with their droppings and urine.
Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus), also known as Brown Rats, are larger and more robust than Roof Rats. They can grow up to 18 inches in length and weigh up to 12 ounces. They have a shorter tail and a more blunt nose than the Roof Rat. They are typically brown or gray in color and are found at ground level in basements, crawl spaces and yards. They are known to burrow and can cause damage to foundations, patios, and gardens. They are also known to gnaw on stored food items and contaminate them with their droppings and urine.
Both species are known to spread diseases such as salmonella, leptospirosis, and plague through their droppings, urine, and fleas. They are also known to carry other parasites such as ticks and mites. It is important to take immediate action when you suspect a rodent infestation in your home, as they can multiply quickly and cause significant damage to your property.
It is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent and control rodent infestations, such as proper sanitation, regular inspection, trapping and baiting, and possibly professional extermination. If you suspect a rodent infestation, it is best to contact a professional extermination service to assess the situation and recommend an appropriate course of action.
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