Staying one step ahead of pest infestations and the problems that come with them is a constant concern for responsible Raleigh homeowners. Rodents are the best example of why, because once they move in they can bring a whole host of problems including disease, damage to property, and many nuisance issues.
Common Area Rodents
The two most common types of rodents are rats and mice, and they have different varieties with a range of behaviors and traits:
House mice: These small rodents are athletic jumpers and territorial pests. They are typically gray or brown in color, with long tails and circular ears.
Deer mice: This variety is known to typically nest outdoors, but that doesn’t mean they won’t venture inside for easy access to food and water. Typically brown in color, this species of mouse is one of the larger ones, growing to 8 inches in length or more.
Roof rats: Rats are generally larger than mice. These ones frequently grow to over 16 inches in length from nose to tail. They are called roof rats because they prefer to make their nests in high places, like attics.
Norway rats: A larger species of rat, these dark-colored rodents can grow to over foot in length. They often inhabit spaces underneath structures like porches or patios.
Rodent Prevention Tips
You may not have to know what rodents look like if you stay on top of prevention measures that keep pests at bay. Knowing what you can do around your home and yard to make your property less attractive to rodents is a much easier task than getting rid of an infestation.
The biggest and most important tip is to deep clean and remove clutter from your home. Excess yard debris or storage containers stacking up in the garage make for easy hiding spots and nesting grounds for rodents. Making sure food traces are properly cleaned and that no crumbs are left on the floor will help make sure rodents don’t have access to ready food sources. Be sure to get under heavy appliances too as these areas are often neglected during regular household cleaning.
Properly store your food and food waste in heavy-duty bags and containers. Rodents have sharp incisor teeth and can chew through most plastics and other materials. Sturdier containers can act as a deterrent and well-secured trash receptacles will make sure they aren’t rooting around in dumpsters or bins.
More Rodent Prevention Methods
You can never be too equipped with pest prevention tips, so here are a few more:
Pet food: People often forget about their pets. Their food is also attractive to rodents, so keeping a well-stocked bowl around for your dog or cat means rodents can also feast.
Access points: Even large rats can squeeze through small holes to gain entry, so it’s important to regularly inspect your home for potential access points. Pay special attention to areas where plumbing or electrical wiring passes through the walls or foundations.
Proper material: While sealing, it’s important to not use cheap or ineffective materials. Rodents can easily chew through caulk and other common sealants, so heavier duty materials like steel mesh are a safer bet.
We’re Here To Help
Even the most avid rodent "preventionists" can find themselves with a rodent problem in or around their home. That’s why it’s best to enlist the help of the experts who know where to look and what to focus on. At Pest & Termite Consultants, our technicians can provide more helpful tips and assist you with rodent-prevention measures. If an infestation has already taken hold, only the pros can quickly get rid of the problem so your home isn’t exposed to the fleas, germs, and other issues that rodents in Raleigh can introduce.
For complete rodent prevention and control, turn to Pest & Termite Consultants right away.