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Rodents are among the most successful mammals on Earth. They
easily adapt and colonize on a variety of land masses on the planet,
have the ability to reproduce quickly, feed on many different types
of food, and form behavior patterns to avoid predators – such as
people.

Rodents are also among the most significant pests to humans
because of their ability to contaminate and spoil food. They spoil
tons of food every year, which translates into billions of dollars. As
gnawing and burrowing mammals, rodents inflict serious damage to
structures, equipment, furniture, utilities, and transportation
vehicles, as well. Rodents have also been responsible for some of
the most devastating disease outbreaks of all time, including
salmonellosis, plague, leptospirosis, hantaviruses and ricketsial
pox.

Mice

The type of rodent most often found in the home is the house
mouse. House mice are small and slender, and as adults, weigh
less than an ounce. They have pointed snouts and large ears.
Their smooth fur is usually light brown or light gray in color. House
mice are color blind, but to compensate, they have an excellent
sense of smell, taste, touch and hearing.
House mice are very curious and well-adapted for living indoors.
They are found in homes, restaurants, supermarkets, food
processing facilities and other places. Their presence is especially
prevalent in the colder months, following their indoor migration.
The indoors provides them with all of the essentials - warmth, food
and shelter. Because mice are nocturnal animals, they are not
usually seen during the day. Normally, their presence is given away
by scratching noises in walls, or by their droppings, which are rod
shaped (usually 1/8 – 1/2 inches, long, dark, pointed at both
ends). Mice are able to squeeze through openings as small as ¼ of
an inch, which means once inside they may be free to roam
anywhere in your home, such as in attics, wall voids, cabinets,
closets, and on your counters.

Rats

There are two major types of rats in this area. One is the Norway
rat and the other is the roof rat (a.k.a. black rat). The Norway rat
is a large, stocky and robust rat that weighs up to 18 oz. It has a
blunt snout and small ears that are covered with hair. The Norway
rat can range in color from brown with scattered black, to gray to
yellow/white. On the other hand, the roof rat is sleek and graceful
and can weigh up to 9 oz. It has a pointed snout and has naked
ears that are large enough to be pulled over its eyes. The roof rat’
s smooth fur ranges from brown with scattered black to white gray
or black. While the Norway rat’s tail is both dark and pale, the roof
rat’s tail is uniformly dark. Like the house mouse, both have poor
vision and are colorblind, but they have excellent smell, taste,
touch, and hearing.

Rats are suspicious animals, although they will explore their
territory of 100 to 300 feet daily. Like mice, rats are found in a
variety of places, including homes, food storage facilities, and
restaurants – anywhere they are able to find food, water, and
shelter. Rats are able to gnaw through wood, lead, aluminum,
copper, cinderblock, and uncured concrete. Most of their activity is
at night with the majority taking place just before sunrise and just
after sunset. Rats have a strong social hierarchy where the largest
and strongest gets the best food and harborage.
Norway rats are known for their extensively burrowing in soil under
foundations of buildings and develop elaborate burrow systems
with entrance and several escape holes; they normally nest in lower
portions of buildings. Alternatively, roof rats burrow very little.
Instead, they are able to swing, jump, and climb. Roof rats
normally enter and nest in upper portions of buildings.   Either type
can enter a structure through ½ inch openings.

Our Solution

Rodents such as mice and rats can be effectively eliminated and/or
prevented from entering your home.   We have available a wide
variety of traps, rodenticides, bait stations and monitoring devices.
We will conduct a thorough inspection to locate entry points and
make recommendations to repair and effectively prevent reentry.
We may also advise you to eliminate certain favorable conditions
that encourage rodent infestations.