No one likes a rat. This isn’t just something mobsters say in old movies, it’s true in real life. Rodents are common and dangerous pests that frequently invade properties. Unless you know what to look for and how to address a rodent problem properly, you’ll find out the hard way why nobody likes a rat.
RODENTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The two most common invasive rodents are mice and rats. Both are small mammals that cause big problems, including damage to property and posing dangerous health risks. While they’re similar, it’s important to be able to tell them apart because a property is almost never infested with both mice and rats at the same time.
- Size: Mice are generally only a few inches in length, including their long tails that trail behind them.
- Shape: Mice look more like balls of hair than slinking rodents (when they’re stationary, anyway). You’re not likely to see them sitting still, however, and they tend to stick to the shadows.
- Ears: Mice have large, round ears that sit directly atop their heads.
- Size: Rats typically grow much larger than mice, with some even growing up to a foot in length.
- Shape: Rats have more elongated bodies and faces than mice, with big round haunches and hairless paws.
- Ears: Rats have pinched ears that sit far back on their heads.
WHAT ATTRACTS RODENTS?
Rodents are foraging pests, meaning they scrape and scrounge for their meals and drinks. It’s for this reason that rodents are such common invaders of households and businesses — they go where the food is. Not only that, as warm-blooded mammals, rodents must escape the cold by hunkering down indoors. Only by addressing these factors can you get ahead on a rodent infestation before it has a chance to move in:
- Food storage: Since rodents go where the food is, they will attack stored food and scrounge for wayward crumbs or spills. Deep clean regularly and keep food stored in secure locations and in sturdy containers.
- Trash storage: You also need a secure trash can, since rodents aren’t opposed to digging through the garbage for a meal. Make sure cans are securely lidded, both indoors and out.
- Declutter: Rodents don’t just look for ways in, they look for areas to hide and breed. Excess clutter or accessible containers provide a wealth of locations for rodents to live.
RODENT PREVENTION TIPS & TRICKS
Pests can get inside New York properties in any number of ways, but rodents, especially, are resourceful and persistent. They can dig their way through cracks or small holes and, once they’ve gained access to walls and storage areas, they will start chewing on anything and everything. Here are some steps you can take to keep rodents out:
- Crack sealing: Frequently checking your exterior for cracks or holes — even tiny ones — and making repairs will reduce potential access points.
- Landscaping: Rodents don’t like being out in the open, exposed to potential predators. As such, they stick to tall grasses and vegetation — so it’s important to keep plants trimmed back from your exterior.
- Inspections: Only a trained set of eyes can clear your property from a brewing rodent infestation. Contact your local experts to get started with a thorough inspection.
THE BEST PROTECTION FROM BROADWAY PEST SERVICES
Even clean, well-maintained properties can wind up with rodents. While these prevention tips can get you started, it’s important to cover all your bases. Turn to professionals for a thorough inspection of your home as well as pointers to make sure you’re taking the proper measures. At Broadway Pest Services, our trained staff can get started as soon as possible, determining your property’s level of risk of a rodent infestation. If problems are already there, only proven professional methods are guaranteed to get rid of the problem.
Don’t let rodents overrun your property, call Broadway Pest Services right away.