These aren't the fuzzy little friends you can find at your local pet store. Wild rodents will wreak havoc on your physical and mental health, as well as your home itself. Whether it's rats, mice, or even squirrels, rodents share an unfortunate set of instincts to scavenge for food and shelter and gnaw on hard materials in order to keep their front incisors from overgrowing. They are also prolific breeders, meaning that if they establish themselves inside your Houston home, they can be incredibly difficult to completely remove, especially on your own. That's why we've arranged this helpful guide, where we'll outline everything you need to know about the unruly little animals, including the secret to successful treatment.
The Types Of Rodents That Invade Houston Properties
It can be difficult to determine what type of rodent made its way into your home or business based on a fleeting glimpse, but if you know what to look for, it becomes that little bit easier. It's important to know precisely what you're up against, so here are a few of the most common rodents invading properties in our area:
- Roof rats are small rodents with black fur and blunt noses, named after their preference for nesting sites. They can climb very well and so are often found in attics or rafters.
- Norway rats are a bit larger, with brown fur and bulky-looking bodies. They are very adaptable creatures and will stop at nothing to scavenge the plentiful stores of your property.
- House mice are noticeably smaller than any species of rat, further distinguishable by their pointier noses and fuzzier tails. These tiny rodents use their size to their advantage, able to squeeze through an opening as small in diameter as a dime.
The Dangers And Damage Rodents Can Cause
No matter what type of rodent you're dealing with, you'll also inevitably have to deal with all the diseases, parasites, and property damage they bring with them. Rodents are opportunistic scavengers, meaning they're not very picky about where they find their food. They'll often trek through sewers and dumpsters before finding their way onto your property. They also often carry fleas, which can become a significant problem in themselves. Even if rodents were perfectly clean and tidy creatures, they'd still be stealing your food, and even worse, chewing holes through your walls. All rodents are characterized by their need to gnaw on hard materials, and this habit can end up causing significant property damage—even a fire hazard if they find any electrical wires.
Natural And Effective Rodent Prevention
If you just need tips on how to prevent rodents from ever entering your property, we've got your back there too. It's never too early, nor too late to start taking measures to protect yourself from pests. Here are the basics of proper rodent prevention:
- Keep your property clean and clutter-free
- Practice proper food storage using airtight containers
- Practice proper garbage disposal using latching lids on metal trash cans
- Seal up any potential entry points around the exterior of your home
- Partner with the professionals at All-Safe for ongoing guidance
Though these DIY methods may deter rodents, you still may find yourself dealing with an infestation. A seemingly small rodent problem may be much larger than you realize. In the end, it's best to partner with the professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite.
The Safest And Most Effective Rodent Control
For complete protection, it's always best to partner with a professional. The experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite are here to help. Our highly trained technicians know exactly where rodents are most likely to hide, how they're likely to enter, and what to do in order to stop them. With thirty years of experience backing you up, you'll be guaranteed a rodent-free property in no time. Call All-Safe today to start your fully customized, comprehensive treatment plan. Reach out to us today to learn more about our pest control options.