Rodents

Do you think you may have a mouse or rat problem? You're not alone. According to the National Pest Management Association surveys nearly one-third of Americans have reported a rodent problem at one point or another, making them one of the most common pests in America. Mice and rats are such a staple in American life that thousands of movies have depicted them as friends, enemies, and even cooks. Though they seem harmless, rodents can pose a risk to your home and health, creating major headaches to home and business owners across the country.

The Differences Between Mice And Rats

Despite popular belief, they are two very different animals. Though they belong to the same family of rodents, they are different species with distinct characteristics between them. Knowing these differences can help you determine what type of rodent you have when you call Blue Gecko Termite and Pest Control.

• Size - Rats are much larger animals and can grow up to 11 inches, while mice are much smaller in size, weight, and teeth size. This size distinction is an important clue when figuring out which pest chewed the hole in the attic.
• Differences In Teeth - Though both species eat just about anything, mice have weaker teeth than rats, leading them to chew on soft wires and wood. Rat's teeth are so well designed that they can chew through aluminum and even concrete.

Signs Of An Infestation

They can be found in 5-star hotels, million-dollar businesses, or your next-door neighbor’s home, so how do you know when you have one of these pesky intruders inside your home? Though they are sometimes difficult to detect and nocturnal, they leave numerous signs to notify you that they've moved in.

Whether they are gathering materials to build their nest, gnawing into a package of food inside your cupboard, or are filing down their teeth, rodents love to chew, making bite marks a very common sign that you have an infestation. The bite marks' size can help us determine whether you have mice, rats, or another type of rodent inside your home.

Like all of us, animals must use the bathroom. Droppings are another telltale sign of an infestation, especially if they are by food storage areas or inside cupboards and cabinets. Mouse droppings are like a dark piece of rice, while rat droppings are shiny black and can be almost 3/4 inch. They can determine how old or how large your infestation is or where a nest may be located.

Get Help From A Professional

Like most pest infestations, mice and rats can be difficult to safely and humanely remove without the proper training, leaving the risk of physically harming the animal, yourself, or not fully removing them all. When it comes to infestation removal, you should leave the job to a licensed professional. Our team at Blue Gecko Termite and Pest Control has the experience you need to remove your infestation responsibly and effectively. Locally owned and operated, we are Chandler, Arizona's #1 rated pest control company, protecting your home and business from the pests you hate with a budget you'll love.