When enjoying your Lincoln home, you should feel peace of mind like it's your place. When rodent infestations occur, it becomes impossible to feel that way. To make matters worse, there are two types of rodents to watch out for in the Lincoln area, which are mice and rats. Both species are known to invade homes and cause problems for homeowners. However, despite that initial similarity, these two rodents are quite different. The main differences they have are:
- Mice: Mice are usually grey and only make it to four inches long. Also, they possess a rounded fur-covered body with a long thin tail and large rounded ears.
- Rats: While the overall shape is similar, they possess larger jaws and smaller ears than their smaller cousin. Also, their tails are thick and scaly and they make it up to 16 inches long. Instead of being grey, they are usually black or brown in color.
As a rule, these two species stay away from each other so you're unlikely to see them invade your home at the same time. Only when food is in abundance will you possibly see both. They have different nesting habits and rats are known to be extremely territorial about food to the point they will kill mice.
Breaking In and Causing Problems
Both types of rodents get in the home the same way. They slip through various openings whether it's a crack, hole, crevice, or other openings. Mice have been known to slip through openings as small as a dime. Rats, on the other hand, need the opening to be the size of a quarter before they can get inside. There are three specific reasons why rodents come inside the home considering they're wary of humans. They need shelter, food, and water. If they can find all three inside your home, then you have a house guest you never wanted. It's that simple.
Unfortunately, these two pests are no mere nuisances. Instead, they cause severe problems for both your property and your health. Both mice and rats scratch up your surfaces with their claws, but the more troubling issue is their need to constantly chew. This constant chewing leads to chewed wires, holes in the wall, and other signs of property damage if not addressed quickly. Along with damage to your property, rodents bring about disease and illness thanks to carrying pathogens, bacteria, and fleas. Some common illnesses linked to rodents include rat-bite fever, hantavirus, bubonic plague, salmonella, tularemia, and others.
Preventing A Rodent Infestation
Since we understand their needs, it's actually simple to prevent rodents from coming inside. However, it takes time, effort, and consistency to be successful. Implement these tips to keep the rodents away:
- Proper Storage: This applies to both food and trash. Rodents will eat your food and they will get into your trash. Any unused food needs to be stored in proper containers and put away. The trash cans need to be sealed shut and kept away from the house to minimize your chances of invasion.
- Reduce Water: Rodents are mammals like humans, which means water is vital to continue living. If you make it difficult for them to access water, they won't want to stick around.
- Seal The Entry Points: Never assume a crack or hole is too small to fit through. Fill in the holes and seal the cracks to keep them out. If they can't get inside, they can't invade.
As a final tip, be sure to regularly inspect the premises, including the roof to stay on top of things. It also doesn't hurt to invest in preventative rodent control services from a trained professional.
Rodent Prevention With Pro Active Pest Control
Rodent infestations are bad news for everyone. Between the damage they cause and the threat they present to your health, it's always a necessity to remove them as quickly as possible. At Pro Active Pest Control, we understand that which is why we act quickly to implement our Integrated Pest Management approach to deliver immediate and lasting results for our Lincoln customers. Contact us at Pro Active Pest Control today for your free no-obligation quote or use our online form.