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Health Hazards Posed by Rodents2/22/2022 An uninvited rodent is not uncommon to find its way into a home, especially during the cold winter months. These pests can be much more than just an annoyance despite their bad reputations. There are a number of health risks associated with rodents, such as rats and mice, and they have the potential to spread more than 35 diseases. Humans can get infected directly by handling dead or live rodents, contacting feces, urine, or saliva from rodents, or being bitten by rodents. Fleas, ticks, and mites that feed on infected rodents can spread diseases carried by rodents to humans indirectly. Food-borne illnesses such as salmonella can be spread by rodent droppings. Moreover, mice can deposit up to 25,000 fecal pellets per year, estimated at 70 per day. Prevention and removal are thus essential in case of a rodent infestation. These are some prominent diseases that can be spread by rodents. Hantavirus Rodent infestations in and around the home continue to pose the greatest risk of Hantavirus infection. It is mostly transmitted by airborne rodent urine, droppings and nesting materials that are stirred up, become airborne, and breathed in by humans. A rodent that bites someone may also transmit the virus. Food contaminated with urine, droppings, or saliva from an infected rodent can make people sick. Hantavirus symptoms appear between one and five weeks after exposure to fresh urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. Hantavirus infections can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory condition that can be fatal. Fatigue and fever are among the early symptoms, as are muscle aches in the thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders. Hantavirus infection is not treated, cured or prevented by a vaccine, so rodent prevention and control inside and outside the home is important. A patient may do better if they are diagnosed early and receive acute medical care in an intensive care unit. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) LCM is an infectious disease caused by the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). The common house mouse is the primary host of LCMV. The LCMV can be transmitted by about 5 percent of house mice throughout the United States. Rodents such as hamsters do not carry LCMV naturally, but they can be infected by wild mice. A rodent, such as a house mouse, can transmit LCMV via urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials. People can also become infected by biting a rodent that is infected. During the colder months, when mice seek warmer winter habitats, mice are more likely to infect homes. Plague The plague is transmitted mainly by flea bites. Fleas seeking blood from a dead rodent will seek other sources of blood, including humans, even though dogs and cats can also bring plague-infected fleas home. The symptoms of bubonic plague include fever, headaches, chills, weakness, and swollen, tender, and painful lymph nodes called buboes. A large number of multiplying bacteria are present in the lymph nodes closest to where the bacteria entered the human body. Tularemia The bacterium Francisella tularensis causes tularemia, a disease of humans and animals. Rats, hares, and other rodents are particularly susceptible to the disease and often die in large numbers during outbreaks. Tularemia is widely distributed and found throughout the United States. The signs and symptoms of tularemia depend on the way the bacteria enter the body. Ask for a FREE QUOTE The post How to Prepare for Mosquito Season appeared first on Safe Pro Pest | Pest Control Frisco TX.
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How to Prepare for Mosquito Season2/12/2022 Nothing ruins a day faster than seeing a big red mosquito bite when you’re trying to enjoy the beautiful Texas outdoors!. Not only are mosquitoes annoying but they can carry harmful diseases like West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, Yellow Fever, and Malaria. So what can we do to ward off these annoying pests? You may never be able to get rid of mosquitoes completely, but there are several preventive measures you can take to help you prepare for mosquito season. Here we will look at the period when mosquitoes are most active and how to prevent mosquitoes from bothering you and your family. Why Homeowners Should be Concerned About Mosquito SeasonSpending time outside with family and friends sounds like a great idea, but during mosquito season, you’ll find yourself retreating indoors to escape these pesky fellas. Not only do they leave us itching and scratching, but mosquitoes can be dangerous to humans. And nobody wants to sit around with smelly insect repellant when they’re trying to enjoy their backyard barbecue. Oftentimes, mosquito bites don’t cause lasting harm. It’ll itch and cause mild irritation for a little while. However, Mosquitoes can transmit several serious human diseases which can be fatal. Mosquitoes have a proboscis (elongated mouthpart) that is far beyond their heads. Think of it as a tiny needle. When a mosquito bites you, it uses its proboscis to pierce your skin, suck your blood, and discharge its saliva into your bloodstream. When they secrete their saliva, your body infuses it as an allergen. Your immune system then sends histamine to the area of the mosquito bite to remove the allergen. This chemical, Histamine, is what causes mosquito bites to swell and itch. For some, the swelling and itching are more intense and may be allergic to mosquito bites. These flying pests spread diseases through their bites. Mosquitoes are vectors that transmit diseases between animals and pets. An infected mosquito that has fed off an animal or person with the diseases and then proceeds to bite you will transfer those pathogens into your body. For example, mosquitoes are well-known carriers of Malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever, dengue fever, and other serious illnesses. According to research carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO), there were over 200 million cases of malaria in 2015 caused by mosquitoes. That makes it one of the deadliest animals on earth. When Does Mosquito Season Start?When do mosquitoes come out? When does mosquitoes’ season end? Contrary to what you might think, there is no actual calendar date to mark the start or end of mosquito season. Typically, these pests are more active when the temperature starts to hit about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the peak time depends on the area you live in, the life cycles of different breeds, and their tolerance to cold weather. Generally speaking, warmer climates experience longer mosquitoes season when compared to cold climates. That’s why areas like Texas are known to have mosquitoes throughout the year. Mosquito season in Texas happens even through the fall and winter months. This means that mosquito season in the state can start as early as February and end in November. “Mosquitoes season” is essentially year-round for Texans. That means we rarely get a reprieve from mosquitoes. However, mosquitoes are typically more active in June, July, and August, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see a mosquito during the holidays. Mosquitoes thrive under certain conditions, like damp and humid areas. Moisture from rain will cause their eggs to hatch faster. The mosquito population could go from 20 to 20 million in just a short amount of time. When the weather is drier, you’ll likely see fewer mosquitoes flying around – but not if your yard gives them the water they need to lay their nests in. Types of Mosquitoes in TexasDid you know that there are over 80 species of mosquitoes in Texas? Fortunately for us, some don’t even bite humans. The diversity of mosquitoes present in Texas counties will amaze you. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common ones: Aedes AegyptiAedes Aegypti is a common mosquito breed found along Texas coasts. It is a small, dark mosquito with black and white stripes and banded legs. These yellow fever mosquitoes feed on humans, mammals, and birds. They can hide and lay eggs in many breeding places like tree holes, plants, flowerpots, and even small bottles. Aedes Aegypti carries many illnesses like dengue fever, Zika virus, and Chikungunya virus. They bite throughout the day and can live for up to three weeks. Since they live near people, they are likely to transmit more diseases than other species in mosquito season. Culex Quinquefasciatus (Southern House Mosquitoes)There are over 19 species of mosquitoes in Culex, but the Culex Quinquefasciatus, also known as Southern House Mosquito, is the most common in the Texas area. They are medium-sized with a brown body color. Although these species prefer to feast on birds, they can still enter indoors to bite humans. Culex Quinquefasciatus breeds in polluted water and containers. When their females are ready to breed, they can lay up to four rafts of eggs; one raft can contain thousands of eggs depending on the mosquito, weather, and other factors. Southern House Mosquitoes bite humans and birds at any time of the day. They are the main carriers of the West Nile virus, but they also transmit other diseases like Avian malaria and Lymphatic filariasis. Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes Albopictus)The Aedes Albopictus is another species of mosquito that is commonly found in Texas. It’s called “Tiger” because of the single white stripe that runs down its body. It also has black and white markings and unlike other kinds of mosquitoes, Asian Tiger bites during daylight. They carry many diseases including dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. They can be found near standing water in holes in trees, tires, and planting containers While a typical mosquito lives for only three weeks, the Asian Tiger Mosquito can stay active for up to six months in enclosed spaces like garages. That’s a long time, which is why it is important to reach out to a pest control specialist to help you battle mosquitoes infestation and prevent other pest problems. Aedes VexansThis variety is one of the most widespread mosquitoes in the U.S. It has white bands along the abdomen and during the winter season, they are mostly found in water. They breed anywhere they can find water – along the roadside, puddles, ditches, pools, landscaping, etc. This variety usually bites during dusk or dawn and they transmit a vector called Dog Heartworm. What do Mosquitoes Eat?One interesting note is that male and female species of mosquitoes consume different things for different reasons. Male mosquitoes rarely feed on human or animal blood. The mouth of a male mosquito is not strong enough to bite through flesh. They eat sugary items like sugar, nectar, etc. This means they do not transmit any disease whatsoever. On the other hand, females have mouthparts long and sharp enough to pierce the skin. They need protein from our blood to help them produce eggs. Female mosquitoes are vectors (they transmit diseases to animals and humans). When does Mosquitoes Season end?Unfortunately for most Texans it doesn’t. The fact is, mosquitoes need water to reproduce, and if there are water sources available, you’ll find mosquitoes – no matter what time of year it is.. We usually see a reduction in the number of mosquitoes in October and November, but they never really go away. Mosquitoes start reproducing when the temperature is above 50 degrees, and they decline in reproduction when the temperature drops below that. Since most of Texas is a milder climate, we generally don’t see much of a decrease in mosquito activity unless it gets below freezing for a long period of time.. What this means is that their population is solely based on environmental conditions. And heavy rain, even in winter, can spike their numbers. That’s why it is important be aware of the types of places that attract mosquitoes and how to deter them from setting up residency near you home. If you’re looking to avoid the annoying bites and illnesses they transmit, we’ve gathered a few DIY tips to help you prepare for mosquito season and possibly prevent them from bothering you the next time you’re trying to enjoy your outdoor space.. Need Immediate Help With Mosquitos? SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US TODAY! Preparation Before Mosquito Season Arrives
Mosquitoes season is around the corner! Other things you can do to help prevent and control mosquitoes in your house include:
When Should You Contact a Mosquito Pest Control Service?Mosquito control is often difficult for homeowners to handle on their own. Mosquitoes breed just about anywhere and they double their population in the blink of an eye! They could also swing by from your neighbor’s home who isn’t as vigilant as you about preventing them. To truly tackle mosquito invasion, you’ll need help from a pest control professional. That’s why many homeowners sign up for an ongoing mosquito control service to get a handle on mosquitoes in Texas. For best results, contact a pest control company before you’re in the middle of mosquito season. A pest control professional can evaluate your home and property and provide a mosquito prevention solution streamlined to your home and needs. At SAFE PRO PEST CONTROL, we thoroughly inspect your home inside and out to work with you to provide a pest control plan that is convenient for you and your family. Our mosquito control professionals know exactly where and how to target mosquitoes around your property. Do you want to protect your family from the annoyance of mosquitoes season? We’re here to help you make sure your home is free from pests. Contact us today to learn more about our services! The post How to Prepare for Mosquito Season appeared first on Safe Pro Pest | Pest Control Frisco TX. Via https://safepropest.com/how-to-prepare-for-mosquito-season/
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If you’ve ever encountered rodents in your home or business, you know how hard it is to get rid of them. We’ll discuss the repercussions of rats and the types of damage they cause to your home and your belongings, and how the different types of rats can get to your home. Finally, we will tell you when it is time to call a professional rodent removal service, and why Safe Pro Pest Control is the best rodent removal service in North Texas. Dealing with pests is not an easy task for homeowners. When there is a pest infestation homeowners typically experience a significant amount of property damage. Not to mention the time and money necessary to rid the property of vermin effectively. There are several methods to get rid of pests that use chemicals even though they have serious negative health effects for humans and four-legged creatures alike. That’s why many people seek non-toxic product alternatives for natural pest control. Fortunately, non-toxic extermination can be safe and effective. Safe Pro Pest Control can help you handle different kinds of pests in your house or commercial property. We have specialized exterminators who use non-toxic methods to rid your property of vermin and pests. We guarantee to take care to make sure your family and pets are safe while exterminating the pests that are bugging you. Why Rodents Should Be RemovedRodents are mammals of the order of rodentia characterized by continuously growing incisors. This category includes animals such as mice, rats, squirrels, beavers, guinea pigs, hamsters, and many more. However, for this article we will discuss mice and rats, which can cause serious hazards to your health and damage your property. Getting rid of these rodents in your house with professional rodent removal services can help you avoid serious health risks and prevent household issues. Mice and rats transmit dangerous diseases such as rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, and Weil’s disease. These diseases can affect humans through rodents’ droppings, their urine, a scratch from an infected rat, or even by ingesting food or drink contaminated with rat’s droppings or urine. Both mice and rats pose a serious fire hazard as they can chew through electric wires. They may easily cause short-circuit electrical current when the cable is exposed. For this reason, it is important to call a rodent removal service right away to take care of the property contaminated by rodents. There are various methods to prevent and control rat infestation, but when it happens, serious measures must be taken. These measures include baiting and poisoning outside in protective boxes, destroying rats’ habitats, and maintaining a hygienic environment, and rodent-proofing your home. Rodent Damage in the HomeRodents cause serious damage to a house structure and to belongings. The damage caused by mice and rats differs depending upon their size, teeth strength, and behavior. MiceMice are smaller and generally cause less damage than rats. They also have weaker teeth and are unable to chew through glass or metal, which means that the food stored in the containers made of these materials will not be contaminated. However, mice will chew on cloth, paper, wood, books, and just about anything else that can be used to build their nests. Like all rodents they leave behind their fecal droppings and urine trails, contaminating the surfaces and potentially spreading diseases. As they get inside your house, mice can damage the structure of your house as they will chew to create an opening big enough to enter the house. Fortunately, SafePro can help call us for a no-obligation quote! RatsUnlike mice, rats have very strong teeth and can chew through almost any material like aluminum, brick, cinder block, wire mesh, and even concrete. PreventionTo prevent rodent infestation and damage in your house, you need to keep them out of your home and your property.
Following these pieces of advice will help you to avoid rodent infestation and damage in your home and garden. Need Immediate Help With Pest Control? SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US TODAY! How Do Rats Get Into the Home?Unfortunately, rats are common visitors in homes in Texas and there are various types and species common in our area. It’s important to note that different types of rats have different behavior and use methods to get into homes. Norway RatsNorway rats, a common rats in Texas, will infest homes looking for food and shelter if these cannot be found outside. Norway rats are not good climbers, therefore, they usually find access at ground level or in the basement. They may burrow along the foundation of a house looking for a place to build their nests following their burrowing instincts. Roof RatsUnlike Norway rats, roof rats are skilled climbers and like to nest in higher elevations like attics. Roof rats love abandoned homes and new constructions. Many new homeowners have been surprised to find that they were not the first to move in when they discover rats in a new build. A reputable rodent removal service will help you take the necessary precautions to ensure that your newly constructed home is free from roof rats. Signs of RodentsThere are also certain signs that will help you to determine if any type of rodent is present in your home. You may also notice some strange behavior of your pets You may also find evidence of rat droppings. For most rats, they are about 14-mm long and may be accompanied by a strong scent of ammonium left by rat urine. If you notice those signs, it’s likely you need a rodent exterminator. Rats like to build nests and gnaw holes for food and shelter causing significant damage to your house and belongings. You may notice damaged electrical cables, gnaw marks, or damaged storage containers. Inspect your premises for these signs of rat presence in your home. Rodent Control Near MeDIY methods for rat extermination are generally ineffective and sometimes even dangerous. If you search for “do it yourself pest control Plano” you’re likely to find some ineffective and perhaps downright dangerous methods. You may wonder, “How do exterminators get rid of mice and rats?” That’s why SafePro is your best bet as we are the experts in pest control and care about protecting your family members as well as pets. This is why we offer valuable advice on how to prevent rodent re-infestation in your home. A professional rodent removal service will take all necessary measures to protect your home from any type of rodents. They will seal up entry points to avoid rats returning to your house any time in the future. Only an expert rodent exterminator possesses the required knowledge, skills, and equipment to exterminate rodents from your house once and forever. If you are looking for “rodent control near me” in North Texas, Safe Pro Pest Control is here for you. We are a family-owned and operated extermination company with the best-trained, licensed, and experienced technicians exterminating and protecting your family and property from any type of rodents. Safe Pro Pest Control has been chosen as Angie’s List award winner for pest control in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex for over a decade. Our technicians will carefully examine if you have mice or rats infestation and create a suitable pest control solution for your situation. Safe Pro Pest Control provides the full cycle of pest control solutions for everyone who is looking for “rodent control near me” in Texas. Our services include a lifetime warranty providing you peace of mind that you are getting the best service possible. It means if you ever have a rat infestation in the future, it will be exterminated at no extra cost. Contact Safe Pro Pest Control today for more details about our rodent removal services! Dealing with pests is not an easy task for homeowners. When there is a pest infestation homeowners typically experience a significant amount of property damage. Not to mention the time and money necessary to rid the property of vermin effectively. There are several methods to get rid of pests that use chemicals even though they have serious negative health effects for humans and four-legged creatures alike. That’s why many people seek non-toxic product alternatives for natural pest control. Fortunately, non-toxic extermination can be safe and effective. Safe Pro Pest Control can help you handle different kinds of pests in your house or commercial property. We have specialized exterminators who use non-toxic methods to rid your property of vermin and pests. We guarantee to take care to make sure your family and pets are safe while exterminating the pests that are bugging you. The post Reasons You Need to ask for A Rodent Removal Service Experts appeared first on Safe Pro Pest | Pest Control Frisco TX. Via https://safepropest.com/rodent-removal-service-experts/
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If you’ve ever encountered rodents in your home or business, you know how hard it is to get rid of them. We’ll discuss the repercussions of rats and the types of damage they cause to your home and your belongings, and how the different types of rats can get to your home. Finally, we will tell you when it is time to call a professional rodent removal service, and why Safe Pro Pest Control is the best rodent removal service in North Texas. Dealing with pests is not an easy task for homeowners. When there is a pest infestation homeowners typically experience a significant amount of property damage. Not to mention the time and money necessary to rid the property of vermin effectively. There are several methods to get rid of pests that use chemicals even though they have serious negative health effects for humans and four-legged creatures alike. That’s why many people seek non-toxic product alternatives for natural pest control. Fortunately, non-toxic extermination can be safe and effective. Safe Pro Pest Control can help you handle different kinds of pests in your house or commercial property. We have specialized exterminators who use non-toxic methods to rid your property of vermin and pests. We guarantee to take care to make sure your family and pets are safe while exterminating the pests that are bugging you. Why Rodents Should Be RemovedRodents are mammals of the order of rodentia characterized by continuously growing incisors. This category includes animals such as mice, rats, squirrels, beavers, guinea pigs, hamsters, and many more. However, for this article we will discuss mice and rats, which can cause serious hazards to your health and damage your property. Getting rid of these rodents in your house with professional rodent removal services can help you avoid serious health risks and prevent household issues. Mice and rats transmit dangerous diseases such as rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, and Weil’s disease. These diseases can affect humans through rodents’ droppings, their urine, a scratch from an infected rat, or even by ingesting food or drink contaminated with rat’s droppings or urine. Both mice and rats pose a serious fire hazard as they can chew through electric wires. They may easily cause short-circuit electrical current when the cable is exposed. For this reason, it is important to call a rodent removal service right away to take care of the property contaminated by rodents. There are various methods to prevent and control rat infestation, but when it happens, serious measures must be taken. These measures include baiting and poisoning outside in protective boxes, destroying rats’ habitats, and maintaining a hygienic environment, and rodent-proofing your home. Rodent Damage in the HomeRodents cause serious damage to a house structure and to belongings. The damage caused by mice and rats differs depending upon their size, teeth strength, and behavior. MiceMice are smaller and generally cause less damage than rats. They also have weaker teeth and are unable to chew through glass or metal, which means that the food stored in the containers made of these materials will not be contaminated. However, mice will chew on cloth, paper, wood, books, and just about anything else that can be used to build their nests. Like all rodents they leave behind their fecal droppings and urine trails, contaminating the surfaces and potentially spreading diseases. As they get inside your house, mice can damage the structure of your house as they will chew to create an opening big enough to enter the house. Fortunately, SafePro can help call us for a no-obligation quote! RatsUnlike mice, rats have very strong teeth and can chew through almost any material like aluminum, brick, cinder block, wire mesh, and even concrete. PreventionTo prevent rodent infestation and damage in your house, you need to keep them out of your home and your property.
Following these pieces of advice will help you to avoid rodent infestation and damage in your home and garden. Need Immediate Help With Pest Control? SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US TODAY! How Do Rats Get Into the Home?Unfortunately, rats are common visitors in homes in Texas and there are various types and species common in our area. It’s important to note that different types of rats have different behavior and use methods to get into homes. Norway RatsNorway rats, a common rats in Texas, will infest homes looking for food and shelter if these cannot be found outside. Norway rats are not good climbers, therefore, they usually find access at ground level or in the basement. They may burrow along the foundation of a house looking for a place to build their nests following their burrowing instincts. Roof RatsUnlike Norway rats, roof rats are skilled climbers and like to nest in higher elevations like attics. Roof rats love abandoned homes and new constructions. Many new homeowners have been surprised to find that they were not the first to move in when they discover rats in a new build. A reputable rodent removal service will help you take the necessary precautions to ensure that your newly constructed home is free from roof rats. Signs of RodentsThere are also certain signs that will help you to determine if any type of rodent is present in your home. You may also notice some strange behavior of your pets You may also find evidence of rat droppings. For most rats, they are about 14-mm long and may be accompanied by a strong scent of ammonium left by rat urine. If you notice those signs, it’s likely you need a rodent exterminator. Rats like to build nests and gnaw holes for food and shelter causing significant damage to your house and belongings. You may notice damaged electrical cables, gnaw marks, or damaged storage containers. Inspect your premises for these signs of rat presence in your home. Rodent Control Near MeDIY methods for rat extermination are generally ineffective and sometimes even dangerous. If you search for “do it yourself pest control Plano” you’re likely to find some ineffective and perhaps downright dangerous methods. You may wonder, “How do exterminators get rid of mice and rats?” That’s why SafePro is your best bet as we are the experts in pest control and care about protecting your family members as well as pets. This is why we offer valuable advice on how to prevent rodent re-infestation in your home. A professional rodent removal service will take all necessary measures to protect your home from any type of rodents. They will seal up entry points to avoid rats returning to your house any time in the future. Only an expert rodent exterminator possesses the required knowledge, skills, and equipment to exterminate rodents from your house once and forever. If you are looking for “rodent control near me” in North Texas, Safe Pro Pest Control is here for you. We are a family-owned and operated extermination company with the best-trained, licensed, and experienced technicians exterminating and protecting your family and property from any type of rodents. Safe Pro Pest Control has been chosen as Angie’s List award winner for pest control in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex for over a decade. Our technicians will carefully examine if you have mice or rats infestation and create a suitable pest control solution for your situation. Safe Pro Pest Control provides the full cycle of pest control solutions for everyone who is looking for “rodent control near me” in Texas. Our services include a lifetime warranty providing you peace of mind that you are getting the best service possible. It means if you ever have a rat infestation in the future, it will be exterminated at no extra cost. Contact Safe Pro Pest Control today for more details about our rodent removal services! Dealing with pests is not an easy task for homeowners. When there is a pest infestation homeowners typically experience a significant amount of property damage. Not to mention the time and money necessary to rid the property of vermin effectively. There are several methods to get rid of pests that use chemicals even though they have serious negative health effects for humans and four-legged creatures alike. That’s why many people seek non-toxic product alternatives for natural pest control. Fortunately, non-toxic extermination can be safe and effective. Safe Pro Pest Control can help you handle different kinds of pests in your house or commercial property. We have specialized exterminators who use non-toxic methods to rid your property of vermin and pests. We guarantee to take care to make sure your family and pets are safe while exterminating the pests that are bugging you. The post Reasons You Need to Ask for A Rodent Removal Service Experts appeared first on Safe Pro Pest | Pest Control Frisco TX. Via https://safepropest.com/rodent-removal-service/
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What are Norway Rats?2/7/2022 The Norway rat is also known as the street or sewer rat. Asian immigrants brought it to the United States during the 1700s on ships from other countries. Norway rats are found around the world today. The Norway rat has poor vision and is colourblind. Despite this, their other senses, such as hearing, smell, touch, and taste, are highly developed. Norway rats can run, climb, jump, and swim despite not being extremely agile. Norway rats damage properties and structures by gnawing at them. How Do Norway Rats Look? Norway rats have bristly brown fur, flecked with black hairs. Generally, their undersides are lighter, with gray, off-white, and even yellow tones. The length of their head and body are coupled together, and they have small eyes and ears. Signs of a Norway Rat Infestation There are several telltale signs when a home is infested with Norway rats. Gnaw marks around the house are one sign of Norway rats. A bite mark or hole that is brand new tends to be rough, whereas older ones wear smooth and are often greasy. An additional sign of Norway rat infestation is the presence of capsule-shaped droppings. A Norway rat's dropping has blunt ends, while a roof rat has pointed ends. How to prevent Norway Rats Norway rats reproduce rapidly, having three to six litters each year. Therefore, it is imperative to prevent an infestation by taking proactive measures, such as Norway rat control. Norwegian rats are drawn to wood piles, so homeowners should store firewood away from structures. Leaky pipes should be eliminated, especially in crawl spaces and basements, as the dampness will attract Norway rats searching for drinking water. Food should also be properly sealed in containers to avoid contamination, which can cause disease transmission. Garbage should also be tightly enclosed in trash cans that are regularly emptied outside the home. If a rodent infestation is suspected, homeowners should keep an eye out for any signs and contact a pest control team. How to get rid of Norway rats A licensed pest control professional is an effective way for homeowners to get rid of Norway rats. Rodent elimination can be accomplished with an integrated pest management (IPM) plan developed by a pest control professional. Norway Rat Education Habits The Norway rat is a social pest that builds shelter near one another. Thus, there are likely to be more burrows nearby if there is one. They have one or more entrance holes, and an emergency exit hole is hidden under grass, debris, and other materials. Norwegian rats usually live outdoors in fields, farms, and structures. Frequently, they burrow in the soil near riverbanks, in garbage heaps and woodpiles. When food and water sources outside become scarce, Norway rats tend to enter homes in the fall. These rodents easily gain access to homes for nesting with a quarter-sized hole. Norway rats are generally found nesting in basements, piles of debris, or undisturbed materials inside a house. Norwegian rats prefer settling on lower levels, but they can occasionally be found in attics, roofs, and other high spots. Threat As Norway rats are known to gnaw through almost anything, they can cause property damage and threaten homeowners. The Norway rat is also a carrier of numerous serious diseases, including jaundice, rat-bite fever, cowpox virus, trichinosis, and salmonellosis. Norway rats can also infest homes with fleas and contaminate food.
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Most Common Rodent Entry Points2/7/2022 Most people don't think about preventing rodents' entry until they are already inside their homes. Some pest control services remove the pest and stop it from returning. Whether you suspect a rat is running around in your house, have proof of an infestation, or want to avoid rat removal issues. Metal Flashing There are several places on the exterior of your home where metal flashing is used, especially where gaps might otherwise exist. The purpose of flashing is to prevent rainwater from entering the structure, and it transitions from roof materials to non-roof areas. Water is kept out by metal flashing, but rodents can get into it because sticks, weather, and animals bend it. Roof vents, chimneys, skylights, and vents all have metal flashing, providing an entry point for rodents. Gaps in the flashing are an easy entryway for rats and other pests, so they should be constantly checked. Vents Metal flashing is sometimes installed around vents and can be an entry point for rodents, but the vents themselves can also allow rats to enter your home. Rodents can gain access to your house through dryer vents on your house's exterior, roof vents, and other open vents on the outside of your house. The rat removal services check all vents to ensure they are secure and sealed so no more rodents can enter. Roofing Rodents may enter your home through your roof in different ways, depending on what type of roofing material your home has. The most common shingles can tear, crack, or break after years of wear and tear, and they can serve as entry points for animals. A roof specialist can help you fix the tiles and identify key areas of concern when repairing a roof. Garage Door Since garage door seals are not airtight, rodents can easily enter your home through them. Rodents find this one of the easiest ways to enter your home since it's so easy for them. Rodents can enter your garage through gaps on either side of your garage door and a poor seal on the garage entry door. Undersink The sink in your home (kitchen, bathroom, laundry room etc.) is an easy entry point for rodents. Pay attention to where the pipes come through the walls, and check to see any gaps. Along Brassroad You should walk around the perimeter of every room in your house (including the bathrooms and basement). Ensure there are no gaps or cracks between the floor and the wall or the baseboard and the wall. Windows wells A smart mouse who aced swim lessons will find this to be the ideal entry point. Whenever there is a drain in a window well, it must be covered with a 4-inch drain cover! Mice love to go through the drain, into the drain tile and pop out of the sump pit. Check your window wells for intact drain covers if you see mice around your sump. Electrical Meter The electrical meter is a very common entry point for mice, and sometimes they also damage the wires. Make sure there are no gaps or openings in your utility area on the exterior of your home and leave the electrical work to the professionals. Gas Line Rodents enter the house through openings and spaces around gas lines. Ensure these gaps are properly sealed to prevent mice from building highways in your exterior gas line. |