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Rodents

What are rodents?

Rodents are small mammals that have constantly growing incisors. Because of this, they must always chew and gnaw on various items to keep these teeth at a manageable length. Animals that belong in the rodent family include rats, squirrels, gophers, and mice.

Among the rodents that are commonly found on Utah properties are house mice and deer mice.

House mice

House mice are small, ranging in size from a little over 2 inches to just under 4 inches, with their tails typically doubling their length. They have brown or gray fur with cream-colored underbellies. House mice have pointed noses and large ears.

Deer mice

Deer mice are slightly larger than house mice, growing from 5 to 8 inches long, with tails that are similar in length. They, too, have brown or gray fur with white underbellies and feet. Their eyes and ears are large and they have pointed noses.

Are rodents dangerous?

Rodents are dangerous for a number of reasons. First, they carry and transmit many diseases, including salmonella and a serious lung disease called hantavirus. Rodents can also spread parasites, such as fleas and ticks. In this way, they can indirectly cause illnesses like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It’s not just their capacity to spread illness that makes rodents dangerous. They also cause many problems when they get into your home. Their constant need to chew will ensure that your home ends up with holes and damage. They also frequently end up chewing into wiring and piping, creating fire hazards and leaks.

Why do I have a rodent problem?

Although they can enter your home at any time of year, rodents are most likely to invade in late fall or winter when temperatures get cold and food sources become scarce. This is when rodents will look for access points into your home. Since mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime, it’s not difficult for them to get inside. Even if they can’t find an opening that size, they can chew away at a smaller one until it’s big enough to fit through.

Where will I find rodents?

When they get into your house, rodents often nest in your attic or wall voids. You may hear them scampering in your walls or see signs of them in your cupboards where they like to look for food and leave droppings behind.

How do I get rid of rodents?

Due to the dangers they present, and because of how difficult they are to fully eliminate, professional pest control is recommended for rodent problems. Pickett Pest Control has years of experience taking care of rodent problems. We stick with you through the entire process, ensuring that the rodents in your home are completely eliminated, while also preventing future infestations. Contact Pickett today for help with your rodent problem!

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

Due to the dangers they present, and because of how difficult they are to fully eliminate, professional pest control is recommended for rodent problems. Pickett Pest Control has years of experience taking care of rodent problems. We stick with you through the entire process, ensuring that the rodents in your home are completely eliminated, while also preventing future infestations. Contact Pickett Pest today for help with your rodent problem!

How can I prevent rodents in the future?

To prevent rodents from entering your house, there are several things to do, both indoors and outside:

Indoors

  • Put all food in tightly closed plastic or glass containers.

  • Clean dishes, counters, spills, and crumbs after each meal.

  • Take out the garbage frequently.

Outside

  • Eliminate food sources like pet food, bird feeders, and open garbage bins.

  • Reduce excess moisture by cleaning gutters, installing drainage systems, and filling low spots in your lawn.

  • Eliminate or reduce hiding spots by cleaning lawn debris, keeping your grass cut short, and trimming shrubbery, plants, and trees.

  • Seal all holes, gaps, and cracks around the outside of your home, no matter how small.

  • Check your roof for damaged shingles or weak spots that rodents could exploit to get in, and repair any that you find.