Have you ever seen ants crawling around your property? Or maybe you’ve seen spider webs or noticed flies buzzing about? While all of these species are common, you need to be aware of one other prevalent pest problem. Rodents are some of the more frequent pests to find their way onto Arlington properties, and despite being common, they are also extremely difficult and even dangerous.
Both mice and rats, and occasionally squirrels, will get inside homes and businesses searching for food and shelter. While squirrels prefer to live outside and will only occasionally make their way indoors, mice and rats are a different story. These rodents have adapted to living alongside humans, and in the process, they’ve become somewhat dependent on us for their own survival. This makes them one of the most skilled pests at living in all kinds of human dwellings, so knowing how to prevent and remove them is essential. This is when pest control in Arlington is extremely important.
Identifying Rodents In Arlington
One question many people have about rodents is how to tell mice and rats apart. This can be tricky because while rats are larger than mice, it can be easy to mistake a baby rat for a mouse. There are a couple of key differences between the appearance of these species, however.
These include the fact that mice have pointier faces and large, fur-covered ears while rats have a blunt muzzle and smaller ears compared to their bodies. Mice also have longer, thinner tails than rats do.
How Do Rodents Get Inside?
Because rodents depend on humans, they can be very determined to get inside our homes and businesses. They also have some pretty fascinating abilities to slip through tiny cracks and crevices. Mice can even fit through a hole the size of a dime, and rats can squeeze through spaces as tiny as a quarter.
Both mice and rats can also chew through drywall, wood, plastic, wires, pipes, and more. This means they can often create new openings into a building, so sealing up access areas around the exterior of the home or business can be a challenge.
Then, once inside, rodents pose many health risks. They can spread many illnesses such as hantavirus and salmonella, and they often carry parasites like ticks and fleas. They are also known for causing many respiratory problems, including allergies and asthma attacks.
Do DIY Methods Work On Rodents?
While some pests might respond to DIY treatment approaches, rodents aren’t likely to be eradicated without professional pest help. Unfortunately, they are some of the most invasive pests and are very good at hiding.
The only truly effective way to eliminate rodent infestations is with assistance from Trees Hurt Too, Inc. Our technicians are trained to handle any rodent infestation, no matter the size or severity. We also offer ongoing rodent prevention options.
Preventing Future Rodent Infestations With Useful Tips
If you already have mice or rats inside your property, prevention tips aren’t going to be very effective. But, if you don’t, it’s an excellent time to make efforts to keep them away. Here are some helpful prevention measures to follow:
- Seal up holes in the walls and foundation with strong products like wire mesh that rodents can’t chew through.
- Make sure to practice good sanitation habits by taking out the trash often and getting lids for garbage cans.
- Keep a very clean kitchen as even small crumbs and spills can attract rodents.
Lastly, get ongoing rodent prevention by calling our team at Trees Hurt Too, Inc. today to request a quote or book an inspection.
