Rodents
About
What are rodents?
Many rodent species live throughout New York and find their way into our homes and businesses. Some of the most rodents common include the following:
- Cotton rat
- Deer mouse
- House mouse
- Norway rat
- Roof rat
Rats and mice are the most common rodents in our homes to become a problem for people because, over time, they have learned that our properties offer them what they need; food, a safe place to live, and water sources.
Are rodents dangerous?
There are many dangers associated with a rodent infestation in your home. From health risks to structural damage, rodents are problematic and should never be allowed to call our houses home.
Rodents use their sharp front teeth to chew, damaging trees, plants, wires, cables, pipes, floors, cabinets, cardboard boxes, food containers, and more.
Before being in your home, these rodents have traveled through unsanitary areas and will track bacteria throughout your house. They also spread disease-causing pathogens and parasites onto surfaces and contaminate food sources through their excrement and saliva.
Why do I have a rodent problem?
Wherever there is food, there will be rodents! Things like bird feeders, open trashcans, gardens, pet food, and compost provide a food source for rodents and will attract them to any property. Once rodents are rummaging around your outdoor space to find food, it is only a matter of time before they find their way inside your home. Cracks in exterior walls, gaps under doors, damaged window frames, and spaces around utilities provide popular entry and exit points.
Where will I find rodents?
Rodents are adaptable and make themselves at home anywhere that provides them with warm, safe shelter and easy access to food. Often our yards and houses provide rodents with precisely what they need.
Some of their favorite outdoor nesting spots include under foundations, dumpsters, within tree stumps, and spaces within or behind yard clutter. When rodents decide to move into our homes, they nest in dark, out-of-the-way areas like wall voids, crawl spaces, attics, and spaces behind large appliances or cabinets.
If rodents are in your home, you will probably hear them before you see them. Rodents are nocturnal and active at night; it is common for homeowners to hear scratching or running noises behind walls or above ceilings.
Another big sign of a rodent infestation is finding their dark brown pellets in drawers, cabinets, or on the floor or counters. In addition, seeing gnaw marks or experiencing short circuits should alert you to a possible rodent infestation.
How do I get rid of rodents?
Rodents are common household pests, and once they set their sights on your property, they are difficult to evict. The best way to remove rodents and stop their return is to partner with a local rodent control professional. All State Pest Control professionals will help you solve your rodent problem by performing complete home inspections and removing the rodents from your property using traps and baits. We also offer sanitation services! Call today to learn more about pest control in Nassau County or Suffolk County, NY!
How can I prevent rodents in the future?
To help you reduce the chances that rodents will take over your Nassau or Suffolk County, NY home, we have compiled a list of our most helpful tips:
- Regularly check your home's exterior, sealing openings you find in the foundation and exterior walls.
- Seal spaces around utilities entering your home.
- Place covers or caps over vents and chimneys leading into your home.
- Clear away yard debris.
- Make sure trash is regularly removed from your house and placed in outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids.