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Throughout Texas, rats, mice, and other types of rodents have traditionally invaded homes, businesses, barns, storage sheds, and many other structures. According to researchers from Texas A&M AgriLife, many areas of the state are experiencing an influx in the presence of these furry varmints. In some parts of the state that experience wildfires, mice and rat populations have surged from a lack of predators remaining in the area.
Experts with AgriLife Extension's Texas Wildlife Services attribute the increase in the rodent population in some years to having substantial rainfall in the southeastern portion of the state during the fall months. However, the number of rodent sightings in many dry, urban areas also is on the rise among various commensal species.
What are the different rodents that plague homes and businesses in the greater Fort Worth region? Some of the most common rodents in this region include house mice, field mice, roof rats, Norway rats, and fox squirrels.
Are gophers rodents? The National Wildlife Federation explains that pocket gophers, or simply “gophers,” are rodents belonging to the Geomyidae family known for their furry cheek pouches. The cheek pouches allow for transporting food sources that they often find when burrowing or tunneling underground. The Texas pocket gopher (Geomys personatus) measures roughly 12 inches, including its tail, and prefers areas with loose, sandy soil that allows for easier digging.
Are you struggling with mice, rats, or other types of home-invading rodents? These creatures are known carriers of disease and often create costly property damage; therefore, seeking assistance from a local pest control company is often the best option. A Fort Worth pest control professional receives the latest training regarding how to get rid of rodents in yard areas and strategies that keep all of the different kinds of rodents away from your home.
How Can I Tell If Rodents Are Damaging My Home?
Homeowners often initially detect rodents when they hear rummaging activity after dark. As primarily nocturnal creatures, property owners might detect the sounds of rodent activity, such as within walls, attics, or crawlspaces. Those with domestic animals such as cats or dogs often notice unusual behavior among these pets.
Other common signs of rodent activity include torn remnants of insulation, cardboard, or fabric-type material used for nest construction, the presence of droppings, and foul odors from their waste or dead rodents.
Rodents Spread Disease And Damage Property
As known carriers of leptospirosis, hantavirus, tularemia, and health-related concerns, rodents are among the leading public health concerns. They also gnaw on materials constantly, which is a particularly dangerous concern when they chew on electrical wiring—a possible fire hazard.
Tips To Keep Rodents Away From Your Home
What are the best strategies for effectively preventing the many common rodents from invading the area of your Fort Worth home?
- Limit sources of food in yard areas by cleaning up thoroughly after cookouts, removing fallen fruits and birdfeeders, and not placing pet food bowls in outdoor areas.
- All trash containing scraps of food should remain in durable garbage cans with functional lids that restrict access.
- Reduce clutter around the base of the structure that creates possible hiding spots such as excess vegetation or firewood.
- Limit standing water by fixing leaky hoses, keeping gutter systems clean, and not overwatering lawn or garden areas.
The aforementioned tips are effective rodent preventative methods; however, contact a licensed rodent control professional when facing existing rodent infestations.
How Exterminators Get Rid Of Rodents
Are you a Fort Worth-area resident seeking solutions regarding how to get rid of rodents in your house? Contact the team with All-Safe Pest & Termite for an inspection today.
